The European External Action Service spokeswoman denounced on Friday 11 January the confirmation earlier in the day of the appeal against the seven-year prison sentences imposed on Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo under the 1923 Official Secrets Act. They had investigated allegations of serious human rights violations in Rakhine State.
The spokeswoman called on the Burmese president to pardon the two journalists.
Confirmation of the sentence “is a missed opportunity to right a wrong”. It is another setback for media freedom, the public's right to information and the rule of law in Myanmar”, she said in a statement.
The court decision "casts serious doubts on the independence of Myanmar's judicial system”, she warned, saying it was based on laws that contravene international human rights standards.
“We are confident that the President of Myanmar will promptly address this injustice and ensure together with the government that the press can fulfil its function as an essential pillar of democracy", the spokesperson added.
According to her, the situation of the two journalists has been constantly raised with the Burmese authorities and the EU has repeatedly called for their release (see EUROPE 12087). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)