Jailing of DVB reporter unfair, group says
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Pen Myanmar, organised by Nay Phone Latt, blogger, activist, and winner of the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award, has condemned the jailing of DVB reporter Zaw Pe, aka Thura Thet Tin, as unfair.
Magway township court sentenced the DVB reporter to one year in jail plus hard labour under Sections 353 and 448 on April 7. The first penalty was for obstruction of authorities’ duty and the second punishment is for trespassing.
Pen Myanmar voiced concern over the security of journalists who are struggling for free expression in the transition to democracy.
The freedom of expression is the inalienable right of every citizen. Moreover, the Chapter (8) of the 2008 Constitution says citizens have the right to express and freely publish their opinions, Pen said in its statement. Only when security is fully given to the journalists can freedom of expression take effect and citizens get proper access to information, the statement said.
The place where the township education officer works was a public area where anyone could go. For this case, the journalist went to a government office, which is a public area, within office hours.
“Trespass” meant invading a privately owned area. But the DVB journalist had no intent to frighten, insult or begrudge. So, such action against the journalist using the outdated penal codes went against Section 448, the statement said.
And while Section 353 aims to protect public servants from obstruction of duty, the journalist made no attempt to disturb or stop him doing his duty. So this action against the reporter was not appropriate, the statement said.
The punishment seems designed to threaten and bully the media, who are struggling for citizens’ right to know information. The jailing was a blow to freedom of expression, the statement said.
