Secretary-General Urges Myanmar Authorities to Review ‘Unacceptable’ Conviction, Sentencing of Journalists

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General takes note with concern of the conviction and sentencing today in Myanmar of journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo to seven years of imprisonment.  He urges the authorities to review their decision.

The right to freedom of expression and information is a cornerstone of any democracy.  It is unacceptable that these journalists were prosecuted for reporting on major human rights violations against the Rohingya in Rakhine State.

The Secretary-General will continue to advocate for the release of the journalists.  He calls for full respect of freedom of the press and all human rights in Myanmar.