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May 02, 2025 – Myanmar –
On April 3, 2025, journalist Than Htike Myint was sentenced to five years in prison by a court in Myanaung Township, Myanmar, under Section 52(a) of the Counterterrorism Law. The charges stemmed from alleged contacts with members of the rebel People’s Defense Force found on his mobile phone—a connection his employer, Myaelatt Athan news agency, asserts was solely for journalistic purposes.
This marks the second arrest for Than Htike Myint, who was previously detained briefly in 2021. His recent arrest occurred on February 6, 2025, at his home in Myan Aung Township, Ayeyarwaddy Region. Following a week of interrogation by military authorities, he was formally charged on February 12.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned the sentencing, stating that Myanmar’s military regime is misusing terrorism laws to intimidate and imprison journalists. Shawn Crispin, CPJ’s senior Southeast Asia representative, emphasized that such actions are part of a broader campaign to suppress independent reporting.
Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar has become one of the world’s leading jailers of journalists. According to CPJ, over 200 journalists have been arrested, with many facing charges under broad and vague laws designed to stifle dissent.
The international community continues to call for the immediate release of Than Htike Myint and other detained journalists, urging Myanmar’s authorities to uphold press freedom and cease the criminalization of journalism.
Reference –
Myanmar journalist Than Htike Myint sentenced to 5 years in prison for terrorism
https://www.rfa.org/english/myanmar/2025/05/02/myanmar-journalist-group-jailed/
