Myanmar: Jailed Reuters journalists walk free after 500 days
What's the story
Two Reuters journalists, convicted in Myanmar under Official Secrets Act, were released on Tuesday after spending 500 days in prison. Journalists Wa Lone, 33, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 29, were covering atrocities against Rohingya Muslims. They were sentenced to seven years imprisonment in September 2018. Lone and Oo were pardoned by President Win Myint. Some 6,520 prisoners were given the pardon. Here's more.
Arrest
The journalists were investigating murder of Rohingya men
Lone and Oo were arrested on December 12, 2017, outside a restaurant in Yangon. The duo was investigating the brutal murder of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys in violence-affected Rakhine area. Both the journalists documented the series of events by speaking to families and witnesses. Their eye-opening story on the Rohingya crisis earned them Pulitzer prize, the most revered award in journalism.
Appeal
Earlier, Myanmar top court rejected their appeals
Last month, the Myanmar Supreme Court rejected their appeal. The journalists had argued their case lacked evidence and they were framed by police. Lone and Oo's wives also wrote an appeal to the top court saying their release would let them be reunited with their families. Earlier, their appeal was rejected by Yangon High Court in January. The court had called the punishment "suitable".
Details
Here's how their release became possible
Notably, the journalists were pardoned after discussion among Myanmar government, Reuters, the UN, and Lord Ara Darzi, a British surgeon who served in an advisory group which works for reforms in Rakhine state. Darzi said the release shows dialog can turn fruitful even in worst circumstances. Meanwhile, Reuters thanked Darzi for his efforts in releasing Lone and Oo.
Reactions
Lone wanted to get back to the newsroom
As he walked out of prison, a smiling Lone thanked his supporters. "Inside in the prison and also around the world people were wishing to release us so I'd like to say thank you for everything," he said, adding that he can't wait to get back to the newsroom. Celebrating their release, Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen Adler said press freedom shouldn't be compromised.