Responding to today\u2019s decision by a Yangon court to formally charge Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, with breaching the country\u2019s Official Secrets Act, Tirana Hassan, Amnesty International\u2019s Director of Crisis Response, said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is a black day for press freedom in Myanmar. The court\u2019s decision to proceed with this farcical, politically motivated case has deeply troubling and far-reaching implications for independent journalism in the country.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn their investigations of military operations in Rakhine State, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were simply doing what journalists are meant to do \u2013 expose the truth and hold the powerful to account. Charging them under this draconian law \u2013 even after widespread national and international condemnation \u2013 is a clear sign that the authorities are intent on silencing critical voices. It also serves notice to other journalists working in the country that speaking out comes with serious consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe decision is further evidence of the worrying regression of press freedom in Myanmar over recent years. Threats, intimidation and even jail time are daily hazards of the job for the country\u2019s journalists. Independent journalism and the right to freedom of expression must be protected, starting with the immediate and unconditional release of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Background<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were arrested in Yangon, Myanmar\u2019s main city, on 12 December 2017. At the time, the two men had been investigating military operations in northern Rakhine State. These operations were marked by crimes against humanity targeting the Rohingya population<\/a>, including deportation, unlawful killings, rape, torture and burning of homes and villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n