Authorities have denied a Hsipaw MP’s request to visit three journalists who are currently being detained at Hsipaw Prison, the MP told media yesterday.
The Irrawaddy reporter Lawi Weng, and DVB reporters Aye Nai and Pyae Phone Naing were arrested in northern Shan State on June 26 while returning from a drug-burning ceremony organized by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army. The Tatmadaw claimed that the men had ties to the TNLA, and are prosecuting them under the Unlawful Associations Act.
On June 29, Hsipaw Township MP Nan San San Aye sent a letter to prison authorities for permission to meet with the journalists, who are currently being held at Hsipaw Prison. This Wednesday, she received a response denying her request. The letter stated that only family members were allowed to meet with the journalists, and that other visitors could only deliver parcels to the prisoners.
“In reality, MPs even have the authority to examine the inside of a prison. As a representative of the people, I should be allowed to meet with them,” Nan San San Aye told Mizzima.
According to DVB, the reporters met with their families for the first time earlier this week. One relative confirmed that all three journalists are in good health.
Amnesty International has referred to the arrests as “a crude attempt to intimidate journalists by a military that cannot seem to abide even the faintest criticism.”
At a press conference earlier this week, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi stated: “This should not be seen very narrowly as three journalists against the army or vice versa, but in general, as to whether the existing laws are in line with our desire for justice and democratization.”
