“The offense of disseminating information that could harm the military Join and support the people against the junta. and violate immigration laws.”
Danny Fenster american journalist Detained in Myanmar since May. On Friday, a Myanmar court convicted him on three counts and sentenced him to 11 years in prison. This is the heaviest penalty possible.
The trial is closed in Yangon. Fenster was found guilty of spreading information that could harm the military. and bases to join and encourage people to oppose the junta. He was sentenced to up to three years in prison per charge. He was also found guilty of violating Myanmar’s immigration law. Which receives a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison for a total of 11 years.
“He said he never thought he’d be in prison for 11 years in his life.”
U Than Seo Ong Fenster’s lawyers said Fenster, 37, was in tears when he heard the verdict. The allegations came from news reports. Myanmar Now against the coup and the use of military violence Prosecutors confirmed that Fenster still works there. Although he left the news agency in July last year. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Frontier Myanmar magazine.
after receiving the judgment Fenster said He will not appeal the verdict, because “the order is from above. It probably won’t change anything. whether he appeals or not.”
as far as information Fenster is the only American detained in Myanmar. He was arrested on May 24 at Yangon International Airport. while preparing to board a plane out of the country He was held at Insein Prison known for his violent treatment of political prisoners. His family members said They believe Fenster has contracted COVID-19. while in prison
Or the Myanmar junta is signaling to the world ‘don’t care’?
The New York Times pointed out that The verdict appears to be the latest in a series of confirmations. Myanmar Army which has taken power since February does not succumb to the pressures of the international community including sanctions from the United States and other countries.
“Punishing journalists with lengthy prison sentences is a twist of justice by the barbaric courts operating on the orders of the Myanmar junta government. Danny Fenster has done nothing that is a crime.”
Phil Robertson Human Rights Watch’s deputy regional director for Asia said the trial was meant to intimidate other journalists. working in Myanmar and to send messages to the US that the general of Myanmar “I don’t appreciate the economic sanctions. and can respond with hostage diplomacy.”
After this, Fenster may face a longer prison term. because in the past week Two additional charges were filed against him: terrorism and sedition. Each charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
since taking power The Myanmar Army has continuously organized a violent crackdown on dissent. It has killed more than 1,250 people, arrested and detained more than 7,000, at least 126 of them journalists.
Michelle Bachelet United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Condemned the severity of the punishment Fenster received. He called on the Myanmar military to immediately release all journalists detained from their work.
Source:
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