Journalist charged with spreading fake news in Myanmar

The Myanman government has jailed a Japanese journalist for spreading what they are describing as ‘fake news’. They say the reporter is the first foreign journalist charged since the coup began.

Officials arrested the journalist back in April.

Freedom of the press in Myanmar

According to CNN, local Myanmar journalists have been in hiding but are continuing to report the truth of what is happening on the ground.

This happens as the military and armed forces continue to take control of the country.

Reports suggest the military has captured and detained as many as 70 local reporters from Myanmar. This comes as many citizens call for their release and to allow freedom of the press.

In early March, officials in the south of the country violently arrested another journalist. Following this, the junta revoked the licenses of five prominent media organizations, including that of the arrested reporter.

The regime has been responsible for the deaths of more than 700 people since the coup in February. Thousands more have also been detained, including many journalists.