Myanmar: CFWIJ Calls for the Immediate Release of Ma Htet Htet, Convicted on Bogus Terrorism Charges
Conviction part of broader pattern of repression in Myanmar following the 2021 military coup
Location: Myanmar, YangonDate: December 16, 2022
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply troubled by the sentencing of Ma Htet Htet, a journalist in Myanmar, to five years in prison on terrorism charges — a severe and baseless accusation used indiscriminately by Myanmar's military regime to suppress and intimidate the free press. Ma Htet Htet's arrest and the charges against her, including those under the Explosives Substances Act and for alleged incitement and spreading of false news, are stark examples of the ongoing assault on freedom of expression and the rights of journalists in Myanmar. We strongly condemn the unlawful detention and sentencing of Ma Htet Htet and call for her immediate and unconditional release, along with all other journalists unjustly held for performing their duties. We express our concern for the well-being and safety of Ma Htet Htet and her family, noting that her family members have also been targeted and detained. This tactic of intimidation and harassment must end.
Myanmar journalist Ma Htet Htet, an editor at the local Thingangyun Post, has been sentenced to a five-year prison term under charges of terrorism, in a case that highlights the Myanmar military's continued suppression of independent media following its 2021 coup.
Ma Htet Htet was arrested in Yangon, the country's commercial capital, on September 11, 2021, in the aftermath of the military takeover on February 1 of the same year, which led to widespread protests and an ongoing crackdown on free press and dissent. Since the coup, the military regime has used broad charges, such as terrorism, to silence journalists and curb the flow of independent information, with numerous media professionals detained and sentenced.
The charges against Ma Htet Htet included violations under Section 5 of the Explosives Substances Act, which involves the unlawful possession of explosive substances, and Article 505(a) of the penal code, which criminalizes incitement and the spread of false news. On December 16, 2022, a special court convened in Yangon's Insein Prison delivered her sentence, according to information provided by the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners, a local rights group.
Further complicating her trial, her lawyer, who has requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, reported that the prosecutor failed to attend several scheduled hearings, leading to significant delays. The lawyer's statement was quoted in a Coconuts Yangon report on May 9, 2022. It was also reported that family members of Ma Htet Htet have been arrested and charged under similar pretexts.
On the same day as Ma Htet Htet's conviction, Wai Lynn, founder of the Thingangyun Post, was also sentenced to five years on the same terrorism charges.
This harsh treatment of journalists is part of a broader pattern of repression in Myanmar, where the military junta has continued its aggressive stance against the remnants of democratic governance and any form of criticism or opposition.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism unequivocally condemns the imprisonment of Ma Htet Htet and the ongoing persecution of journalists in Myanmar. The conviction of Ma Htet Htet under broad and ambiguous charges such as terrorism and incitement not only silences her but also sends a chilling message to other journalists. We call upon the international community to join us in demanding the immediate release of Ma Htet Htet and all other journalists unjustly detained in Myanmar. It is imperative that concerted international pressure be applied to the Myanmar military regime to ensure the safety and freedom of the press.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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