Journalists sentencing a dark moment for Myanmar: UN rights experts

UNITED NATIONS, Sept 4 (APP):Two United Nations human rights experts today denounced the conviction of two journalists in Myanmar, calling it ‘a dark moment for Myanmar.’
“This is yet another clear signal of Myanmar’s distancing from international human rights law,” David Kaye, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression; and Yanghee Lee, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the country, said in a joint statement.
On Monday, Kyaw Soe Oo (also known as Moe Aung) and Thet Oo Maung (also known as Wa Lone) were sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on charges of violating, according to the High Commissioner’s Office (OHCHR), the ‘ill-defined’ Official Secrets Act.
“We regret that the court failed to recognize the importance of independent journalism, freedom of expression and the public’s right to know,” the statement said.
The experts also said that they have previously expressed their grave concerns, and urged greater press freedom after the journalists’ detention.
“We urge the President to pardon the journalists, and if the case is appealed, for the court to take into account Myanmar’s human rights obligations and order their release,” they said.