Myanmar journalists detained in Thailand, facing deportation
Three senior journalists who fled Myanmar for Thailand have been arrested in the northern city of Chiang Mai and charged for illegally entering the kingdom.
The three journalists working for online and broadcast news agency Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) were detained along with two unnamed activists on Sunday (May 9). The five face deportation if found guilty.
Earlier, the five were brought to...
Three senior journalists who fled Myanmar for Thailand have been arrested in the northern city of Chiang Mai and charged for illegally entering the kingdom.
The three journalists working for online and broadcast news agency Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) were detained along with two unnamed activists on Sunday (May 9). The five face deportation if found guilty.
Earlier, the five were brought to the court in Chiang Mai today but local media reported the case had been adjourned until May 17 so that they could seek legal representation.
Meanwhile, DVB executive director and chief editor Aye Chan Naing said the five were arrested during a random search by the police and charged for illegal entry into Thailand.
Aye appealed to Thai authorities not to deport them to Myanmar.
“Their life will be in serious danger if they were to return. They have been covering the demonstrations in Myanmar until March 8 – the day the military authority revoked DVB’s TV license and banned DVB from doing any kind of media work.
“We also appeal to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Bangkok to intervene to help ensure their safety.
“We request the international community to help call the Thai authorities to waive their deportation,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, in a tweet, Thailand's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanee Sangrat said Thai authorities too were concerned and have been coordinating to find a humanitarian solution to the case of journalists from Myanmar.
Despite having its license revoked on March 8, DVB continues to report, posting updates on its Facebook page about protests and crackdowns in Myanmar since the February military coup, including the violent anti-coup protests where more than 770 people have been killed.
Meanwhile, the professional membership of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) is seriously concerned over the arrest of the five.
“These five individuals would face certain arrest and persecution, if not worse, for their work and association with the DVB and under no circumstances should they be deported back to Myanmar.
“The world is watching what the Thai authorities do in this important case for press freedom in Myanmar and the region, and for the protection of those fleeing the junta’s brutal crackdown on independent media and civil society,” it said.
- Bernama
