Turkish state-run broadcaster TRT World announced on Tuesday that Myanmar’s Ministry of Information had been “previously informed about all filming activities and the filming schedule” of three journalists and driver before they were arrested in Naypyidaw on October 27.
Journalists Lau Hon Meng from Singapore and Mok Choy Lin from Malaysia were preparing to film a documentary outside the parliament compound in Myanmar’s capital last Friday when they, along with local fixer Aung Naing Soe and driver Hla Tin, were arrested by local police.
The two foreign journalists have been charged for allegedly importing a drone into Myanmar without permission and are scheduled to appear in court on November 10. No date has been set for a hearing for Aung Naing Soe or Hla Tin, who are being held in a separate detention center from the foreign journalists.
“Our crew wanted to film the parliament building in the capital with a drone after conducting an interview with a member of parliament. They were detained by security officials before flying the drone,” TRT World said in a statement.
After the arrests, Aung Naing Soe’s home was raided by police, who confiscated his computer and hard drives. He was also denied access to his family and lawyers.
The embassies of Singapore and Malaysia in Yangon have said they will provide “necessary consular assistance” to Lau Hon Meng and Mok Choy Lin.
If convicted, they may face up to three years in prison or a fine.
