Myanmar: journalist imprisoned for incitement
A former BBC journalist has been sentenced to three years in prison by a Myanmar military court.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has joined the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in condemning the sentencing of journalist Htet Htet Khine amid growing restrictions on press freedom.
On 15 September, former BBC journalist Khine was sentenced by a Yangon court to three years in prison following a conviction under Myanmar’s Penal Code for allegedly disseminating ‘false information designed to foster public animosity towards the military government’. Khine is the former presenter of BBC’s Khan Sar Kyi (Feel It) programme covering the impact of prolonged conflict in Myanmar.
The NUJ is urging authorities to do more to ensure the rights of journalists are protected in the country. The union notes the concerning persecution of journalists by the military junta. Last month, journalist Sithu Aung Myint was arrested and photojournalist Ko Zaw Zaw was sentenced to three years in prison. On 30 July, photographer Aye Kyaw died in police custody.
The IFJ said:
“The unlawful charges against Htet Htet Khine are yet another blatant attempt to silence critical voices and stifle press freedom in Myanmar. The IFJ urges Myanmar’s military to immediately release Khine and respect the right of all journalists to report without fear of persecution.”