11 May 2021 / 15:33 H. Pix for illustration purposes.
BANGKOK: Three Myanmar journalists have been arrested in Thailand after fleeing across the border to escape a crackdown by the military junta, their employer has said.
The trio were set to appear in court on Tuesday, their editor added, urging Thai authorities not to repatriate them to the coup-hit country.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, triggering a mass uprising as large swathes of the population take to the streets to demand democracy.
The junta has responded with force shooting protesters, arresting suspected dissidents in night raids, and targeting journalists and news outlets by shutting them down.
The three journalist working for an online and broadcast news agency
DVB (
Democratic Voice of Burma) were detained along with two unnamed activists on Sunday. The five face deportation if found guilty.
Earlier, the five were brought to the court in Chiang Mai today but the 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 deport them to Myanmar.
Govt seeking humanitarian solution for detained Myanmar journalists
83
published : 11 May 2021 at 10:17
updated: 11 May 2021 at 15:43
83 FILE PHOTO: Police officers are seen outside Kamayut township court where the hearing of a group of journalists who were detained during anti-coup protests is scheduled, including that of Associated Press journalist Thein Zaw, in Yangon March 12, 2021. Thai police said on Tuesday they would deport three journalists and two activists back to Myanmar, where they would face certain arrest. (Reuters)
Three reporters and two activists from Myanmar have been arrested in Chiang Mai for illegal entry and face possible deportation, the reporters news organisation and local police said on Tuesday.
May 12, 2021
BANGKOK (AFP) – Thailand said yesterday it was seeking a “humanitarian” solution for three Myanmar journalists arrested after fleeing across the border to escape a junta crackdown.
The trioâs employer – the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) – and the Thai foreign correspondentsâ club urged the authorities not to deport them, warning their lives could be in danger if they returned to the coup-hit country.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, triggering a mass uprising as large swathes of the population take to the streets to demand democracy.
The junta has responded with force – shooting protesters, arresting suspected dissidents in night raids, and targeting journalists and news outlets by shutting them down.
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