Three-year sentences for two journalists who took pictures of new Burmese capital
Reporters Without Borders and the Burma Media Association voiced outrage today at the three-year prison sentences
imposed on journalists U Thaung Sein and Ko Moe Htun for photographing and filming in the new capital, Pyinmana, and
thereby allegedly violating article 32 (A) of the Television and Video Act.
"It is a disgrace to see journalists arrested and sentenced just for taking pictures on the streets of Pyinmana," the
two organisations said. "This new evidence of paranoia by the military regime jeopardises the possibility of the Burmese
and international press working in the new capital. We call for their release."
Also known as Thar Cho, U Thaung Sein, 52, is a photojournalist for several Burmese publications. Ko Moe Htun, 42, who
is also known as Ko Kyaw Thwin, is a columnist for the religious magazine Dhamah-Yate (The Shadow of Dhamah).
They were arrested on 23 March while driving around Pyinmana, filming and taking photos. They received their three-year
sentences the following day when they appeared before judge Daw Mi Mi Maw of the Yamaethin district court.
Their lawyer, U Khin Maung Zaw, announced his intention to appeal. "They should be freed because the Television and
Video Act does not forbid taking pictures in authorized areas and states that such pictures may be used for private
purposes," he said. His clients were just using a small amateur camera, he added.
As far as Reporters Without Borders and the Burma Media Association know, this is the first time that Burmese citizens
have been given the maximum three-year sentence envisaged under the Television and Video Act, which was adopted in July
1996.
U Thaung Sein and Ko Moe Htun are currently being held in the Yamaethin district prison north of Pyinmana.
ENDS