Myanmar human rights body releases statement on detained journalists

Myanmar National Human Rights Commission released a statement yesterday regarding the arrest of two journalists.

Following is the full text of the statement .

Statement by the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission on the arrest of two journalists

Statement No.(14/ 2017)

1. It was learnt that two Yangon based Reuter journalists, Ko Thet Oo Maung (a) Ko Wa Lone and Ko Kyaw Soe Oo (a) Ko Moe Aung were found in possession of important security documents obtained from members of the police security company who had served in Butheedaung and Maungdaw area of Rakhine State and apprehended on the night of 12 December 2017 in Htauk Kyan, Mingaladone Township.

A case has been opened against them at the Htauk Kyan police station under FIR No.1298/2017, Section 3 of the Myanmar Official Secrets Act 1923.

2. The Commission received a complaint that the two journalists had been denied access to family visit, and that there was no information on their whereabouts and no access by lawyer for their defence.

3. In this regard, the Commission would like to urge the authorities concerned to ensure that they enjoy human rights they are entitled to, including non-infliction of torture, provision of health care and allowing access to visits by family and lawyer during detention.

Myanmar National Human Rights Commission

Dated: 21 December 2017

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar