Two Dawei Watch Journalists Sentenced to Life and Long-Term Imprisonment by Junta

September 3, 2024

HURFOM: On August 27, Dawei Watch, a news agency based in Myeik, reported that two of its journalists have been sentenced to life imprisonment and long-term prison sentences by the military junta. Myo Myint Oo, one of the journalists, received a life sentence, while Aung San Oo was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The harsh sentences were imposed for their reporting activities.

“Sentencing journalists under anti-terrorism charges is highly unjust. They were arrested for their work as journalists, and now they’ve been sentenced under the Anti-Terrorism Act. This is completely unacceptable,” stated Kyaw, the editor-in-chief of Dawei Watch.

The two reporters were arrested on December 11, 2023, during raids on their homes where excessive force was used. Their laptops and phones were confiscated, and they were subjected to torture and interrogation by military intelligence for four days before being transferred to Myeik Prison. The journalists were then unjustly sentenced under the Anti-Terrorism Act, without being allowed a legal defense.

Dawei Watch has strongly condemned the junta’s actions, calling for the immediate release of its journalists and criticizing the lack of due process. The news agency, established in 2012 in Dawei, focuses on reporting news from Tanintharyi and Mon State, as well as covering issues related to migrant workers across the country.

This is not the first time Dawei Watch has been targeted by the junta. On January 19, 2022, the junta raided the Dawei Watch office in Dawei and arrested two reporters and one office staff member.

(Photo credit: Dawei Watch)

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News