Two journalists from Myanmar's independent online news service Dawei Watch have received severe prison sentences under the country's Counterterrorism Law. Myo Myint Oo was sentenced to life imprisonment, while his colleague Aung San Oo received a 20-year sentence. The editor of Dawei Watch revealed the sentences were imposed without clear circumstances, following their arrests last December. They are the harshest sentences given to journalists since the military's coup in February 2021, which sparked a civil war.
Myanmar has become a major jailer of journalists, ranking second to China, with widespread arrests under the junta's crackdown on independent media. Last week, two freelance journalists were killed following a raid by security forces in Mon state. According to Reporters Without Borders, Myanmar is ranked near the bottom of its Press Freedom Index, 171 out of 180.
Dawei Watch condemned the military for the "illegal" arrest, interrogation, and detainment of the journalists without fair defense. "Sentencing the journalists with such large penalties is very unjust," stated the editor. The sentences aim to "instill fear among all reporters" and further suppress independent media, one expert says. Since the coup, at least seven journalists have been killed, over 170 arrested, and numerous media outlets had their licenses revoked. Calls for their immediate release continue as advocates highlight the ongoing threats to journalistic freedom. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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