Yahoo Finance Myanmar journalists and activists arrested in Thailand after fleeing across border
Three journalists and two activists from Myanmar who fled over the border to Thailand have been arrested for illegal entry and could face possible deportation, according to the reporters’ employer.
Broadcaster DVB (Democratic Voice of Burma) said their lives would be “in serious danger” if they were forced back to Myanmar, where the military took power in a coup on 1 February and has since arrested dozens of journalists.
The junta banned DVB and several other media outlets in March in an attempt to suppress independent coverage of protests against its rule. Despite the risks, journalists have continued to work in hiding, documenting the military’s brutal crackdowns in which 781 people, including 52 children, have been killed.
Related: Myanmar junta labels opposition government of ousted MPs a ‘terrorist’ group
Since February, 4,916 people have been arrested by the military, according to the advocacy group, Assistance Association for Political Prisoners in Burma. The majority remain in detention, often in unknown locations.
There have been widespread reports of torture among those being held by the military. On Monday, it was reported that the poet Khet Thi, who opposed the ruling junta, had died in detention. His body was returned with the organs removed, his family said.
The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand said the DVB reporters “would face certain arrest and persecution, if not worse, for their work and association with the DVB”, and that they should not be deported back to Myanmar.
The Committee to Protect Journalists’ senior South-east Asia representative Shawn Crispin also urged Thailand to offer sanctuary to the group: “Myanmar’s military regime has repeatedly abused and detained journalists, and Thai authorities should not force these members of the press to face potentially severe retaliation for their work.”
In a statement, Aye Chan Naing, DVB’s executive director, appealed to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for help.
Thapanapong Chairangsri, the head of police in the San Sai district outside the Thai city of Chiang Mai, told Reuters that five Myanmar citizens had been arrested for entering the country illegally and would be brought to court on Tuesday.
He said they would be deported in accordance with the law, but added that because of the coronavirus outbreak they would be held in detention for 14 days before being handed to immigration authorities.
