Myanmar’s military has reportedly dropped a lawsuit recently filed against local news journal 7Day, after accusing the outlet of attempting to destroy the army.
The paper had quoted former Speaker Shwe Mann as telling Defence Services Academy graduates to fall in line with Aung San Suu Kyi’s new government. Lieutenant Colonel Lin Tun, of Yangon, claimed the story implied disloyalty within the military and sued on June 25, citing a penal code provision covering abetting “mutiny” and carrying 10 years in prison.
The complaint has now been cancelled after a meeting between army representatives and 7Day, according to Myanmar’s Press Council.
“The President of Myanmar’s press council and its secretary negotiated between the military and 7Day Media,” Myint Kyaw, a member of the council, told the Voice. “The military will cancel their lawsuit.”
Myanmar’s military has a long record of targeting the press. While recent years have brought an easing of the restrictions that were in place during the junta years, journalists have continued to face arrest and prosecution.
