Published: September 03, 2018 11:26:49 | Updated: September 11, 2018 21:27:12
Myanmar’s verdict on Monday jailing two Reuters reporters for seven years on charges of breaching an official secrets act is a major step backward in the southeast Asian nation’s transition to democracy, the agency’s Editor in Chief Stephen J Adler said.
“Today is a sad day for Myanmar, Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, and the press everywhere,” Adler said in a statement.
“These two admirable reporters have already spent nearly nine months in prison on false charges designed to silence their reporting and intimidate the press, Reuters reported.
“Without any evidence of wrongdoing and in the face of compelling evidence of a police set-up, today’s ruling condemns them to the continued loss of their freedom and condones the misconduct of security forces.
“This is a major step backward in Myanmar’s transition to democracy, cannot be squared with the rule of law or freedom of speech, and must be corrected by the Myanmar government as a matter of urgency.
“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.”
Senate opposes Trump plans for abrupt Syria troops withdrawal
Callamard gets no Saudi help over Khashoggi probe
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and wife MacKenzie to divorce
Jailing of journalists worldwide nears record high
Climate chiefs warn 'world at crossroads'
Sydney gets one month's rainfall in just two hrs
US govt report says climate change to batter its economy
Russia, stung by intelligence leaks, plans to tighten data protection
Saudi royals turn against king's favourite son over Khashoggi murder
Netanyahu urges coalition partners not to bring down government
BIDA for reform of 'fiscal depreciation' provision in tax law
Pressure mounts on govt for continuation of Accord
Post-LDC challenge lies in incentivising exports
Govt decides to start piloting vannamei shrimp farming
India levies 200pc customs duty on Pakistan imports
Heavy rains damage books at Ekushey book fair
Eight die in Chattogram slum fire
Extended plant of GPH Ispat goes into production by June
© 2017 - All Rights with The Financial Express