Myanmar: CFWIJ condemns the unlawful arrest of Htet Htet Khine by military authorities

/
0.png

September 3, 2021- Htet Htet Khine, a freelance producer for BBC Media Action, was arrested by military authorities on August 15, along with Sithu Aung Myint, an independent columnist and commentator. The military-run Myawaddy reported the arrest of both journalists. The two were supposedly hiding in an apartment in the Bahan Township of Yangon when police arrested them. Sithu Aung Myint has evaded arrest since April 24 after the coup leadership opened an investigation against him, citing incitement charges. The CFWIJ condemns the arrest of the journalists and demands their immediate release. We have observed an alarming pattern of repression of journalists since the military takeover of February 1st.  

According to sources, Sithu Aung Myint had taken refuge in Htet Htet Khine’s home. As reported by the state-run news media, Global New Light, Htet Htet Khine had offered refuge to the columnist. The report also accused Htet Htet Khine of working for a radio channel named Federal FM, run by the National Unity Government of Myanmar (NUG). The junta has not revealed the whereabouts of journalists, but the lawyer representing Sithu Aung Myint briefed that his client was taken to an interrogation center.

Reportedly, authorities have charged Htet Htet Khine under Section 17(1) of the colonial era "Unlawful Association Act '' for harboring Sithu Aung Myint and working for an allegedly banned radio channel. If the journalist is convicted, she could face up to three years in prison.

BBC Media Action service had condemned Htet Htet Khine's arrest. The organization shared in a tweet, "We are concerned by the detention and charges against the freelance producer, Htet Htet Khine, in Myanmar. The safety and security of our people is our utmost priority, and we are monitoring the situation closely and are concerned for her safety.”

The Coalition For Women In Journalism demands the immediate release of journalists Htet Htet Khine and Sithu Aung Myint. We call on the junta to end its persecution of journalists and respect press freedom. The CFWIJ has created a detailed page of statements and interviews from several women journalists who have suffered harassment, threats, and imprisonments since the February coup d’état.