Reactions to verdict on Reuters' journos
A Myanmar judge yesterday found two Reuters journalists guilty of breaching a law on state secrets and jailed them for seven years, in a landmark case seen as a test of progress towards democracy in the Southeast Asian country. Here are some reactions to the news.
US AMBASSADOR TO MYANMAR
"I'm sad for Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo and their families, but also for Myanmar. It's deeply troubling for everybody who has struggled so hard here for media freedom. I think one has to ask will this process increase or decrease the confidence the people of Myanmar have in their justice system," said Scot Marciel.
BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO MYANMAR
"Speaking on behalf of the British government, but also on behalf of European Union member states, we are extremely disappointed by this verdict. Freedom of expression and rule of law are fundamental in a democracy, and this case has passed a long shadow over both today," said Dan Chugg.
MEDIA ADVISER TO BANGLADESH PM
"This has once again proved the Myanmar government has been pursuing the suppression of the freedom of expression and freedom of media. It is now an open secret that any media or any person who wants to reveal the atrocities of the Myanmar army and administration against the Rohingya people will face persecution by the Myanmar government," said Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, REUTERS
"Today is a sad day for Myanmar, Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, and the press everywhere. These two admirable reporters have already spent nearly nine months in prison on false charges designed to silence their reporting and intimidate the press."
TIRANA HASSAN, AMNESTY INTL'S DIRECTOR
"These convictions must be quashed, and both men immediately and unconditionally released. This politically motivated decision has significant ramifications for press freedom in Myanmar. It sends a stark warning to other journalists of the severe consequences that await should they look too closely at military abuses. This amounts to censorship through fear."
BRAD ADAMS, ASIA DIRECTOR, HRW
"The outrageous convictions of the Reuters journalists show Myanmar courts' willingness to muzzle those reporting on military atrocities. These sentences mark a new low for press freedom and further backsliding on rights under Aung San Suu Kyi's government."
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