Times photographer Kaung Htet shortlisted for SOPA award
By Staff writers | Thursday, 22 May 2014The Myanmar Times chief photographer Kaung Htet has been named as a finalist for a prestigious Society of Publishers in Asia's award for his coverage of a controversial copper mine project in Sagaing Region and the aftermath of a Tatmadaw assault on villages in Kachin State.
The two sets of photographs were both shortlisted for the Excellence in News Photography award in category B, designated for newspapers that circulate in one or two countries. Kaung Htet and fellow photographer Ko Taik won last year's photography award for their photos of the International Day of Peace protest march in Yangon in September 2012.
"The shortlisting of The Myanmar Times for the third year in a row is testament to the quality and consistency of our newsroom," said Thomas Kean, The Myanmar Times editor.
"It also confirms that Kaung Htet is one of the best photographers in the country - if not the best."
Kaung Htet's "Mansi offensive" series documented the destruction of Mung Ding Pa and Nam Lim Pa villages and the flight of residents after intense fighting between the Kachin Independence Army and the Tatmadaw in October 2013.
His "Letpadaung fury" photographs followed National League for Democracy chairperson Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's March 2013 trip to the Letpadaung mining site. Her recommendation that the project continue despite protests from the communities around the mine sparked a rare showing of anger towards the opposition leader.
Kaung Htet joined The Myanmar Times in 2010. He became director of the photography department in 2011. His photographs of Myanmar have appeared in numerous publications including The Guardian and Times of London.
The winners will be announced June 11 at the awards ceremony in Hong Kong.
Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2014/05/22/times-photographer-kaung-htet-shortlisted-for-sopa-award/
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