Condemnation of the Sentencing of Two Journalists to Harsh Imprisonment
Date: August 30, 2024
1. On August 27, 2024, Dawei Watch announced that the military junta had sentenced two of their journalists —Ko Myo Myint Oo and Ko Aung San Oo, both based in Myeik, Tanintharyi Region —to long prison terms.
2. According to Dawei Watch, the military junta’s court using the counter-terrorism law sentenced Ko Aung San Oo to 20 years imprisonment around February 16, and Ko Myo Myint Oo to life sentence around May 15.
3. The two journalists were arrested in a raid by the military soldiers at their respective homes on the night of December 11, 2023. After approximately four days of torture and interrogation, they were transferred to Myeik Prison. These journalists were denied any legal defense, and Dawei Watch, an independent media outlet, which mainly focuses on the Tanintharyi Region, has also been targeted by the junta’s prosecution.
4. The sentencing of these two journalists highlights the vulnerability of Myanmar journalists under the military junta and serves as an alarm not to forget those journalists enduring long prison sentences.
5. Currently, 11 journalists have been harshly sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, while Ko Myo Myint Oo and Ma Shin Daewe are being the two journalists handed life imprisonment.
6. The practice of journalism, including the gathering and reporting of news in accordance with journalistic ethics, is a lawful exercise of the right to information under both domestic and international law.
Therefore, the Independent Myanmar Media Council (IPCM) strongly condemns any form of oppression against the journalists including unlawful arrests and imprisonments. The IPCM calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all journalists who have been unjustly detained and imprisoned across the country.
The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM)
IPCM’s Contact Person
Nan Paw Gay (Chairperson) – 0926067631
Toe Zaw Latt (Secretary) – 0806834240
