A Myanmar judge found two Reuters journalists named Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo guilty for illegal possession of official documents. The judge also sentenced the journalists to seven years in prison. The Court alleged that they collected official documents and breached the British colonial era law.
One of the journalist Wa Lone said, “I have no fear.” He further added, “I have not done anything wrong, I believe (in) justice, democracy and freedom.”
“The defendants have breached (the) Official Secrets Act, the time already served by the defendants from the 12th of December will be taken into consideration,” Judge Ye Lwin said. The Reuters reporters were arrested on the 12th of December while investigating the killings of 10 Rohingya Muslims. The reporters allege the Muslims were abused by soldiers and the police in Inn Din, a village in Rakhine state.
These two journalists had been reporting about the brutal crackdown by security forces on the Rohingya community. In the year 2017, the accusations of genocide were charged against the Myanmar Military Officers. The Myanmar officials have been charged with mass killing and gang rapes of the Rohingya Muslims including their campaign against the Muslim Minority.
About 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fled to neighbouring Bangladesh to escape the violence targeting them. The Myanmar Government stated the by Rohingya fighters killed a dozen members of the security forces leading to retaliation.
The accusation of genocide was rejected by Myanmar’s government but is the most serious official recommendation for prosecution so far. The reporters getting arrested has attracted the world’s attention. The world continues to question the press’ freedom that is suffering under the government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Reuters Editor in Chief Stephen J. Adler in a statement said, “Today is a sad day for Myanmar, Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, and the press everywhere.” Mr. Adler also added, “We will not wait while Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo suffer this injustice and will evaluate how to proceed in the coming days, including whether to seek relief in an international forum.”
U. S., Ambassador Scot Marciel said he was sad for the two reporters and also for Myanmar. He further added, “It’s deeply troubling for everybody who has struggled so hard here for media freedom.”
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Knut Ostby released a statement that read, “We are disappointed by today’s court decision.” He also commented that the United Nations has consistently called for the release of the Reuters journalists and urged the authorities to respect their right to pursue freedom of expression and information.
Wa Lone, calling Monday’s decision unfair and one sided, said, “It directly threatens Myanmar’s democracy and freedom of the press.” Speaking to reporters on the Court steps after the sentencing, Wa Lone gave a defiant thumbs up and said, “We will face the verdict with stability and courage.”
Kristian Schmidt, European Union (EU) Ambassador, in a post on Twitter said, “The prison sentences of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo should be reviewed and they should be released immediately and unconditionally.”
