Myanmar journalist Aung San Oo is serving a 20-year prison sentence for terrorism, an anti-state charge Myanmar’s military regime has used broadly to stifle independent news reporting since staging a democracy-suspending coup in 2021.
Aung San Oo, a reporter with the local Dawei Watch, was arrested on December 11, 2023, at his home in the coastal town of Myeik, according to news reports and the independent publication’s chief editor, who communicated with CPJ on condition of anonymity. Dawei Watch reporter Myo Myint Oo was arrested the same day at his home in Myeik, those sources said.
On February 16, 2024, a military court inside Myeik Prison convicted and sentenced Aung San Oo to 20 years in prison under Section 52(b) of the Counter Terrorism Law, according to a Dawei Watch statement and CPJ’s email communication with the outlet’s chief editor.
Authorities beat Aung San Oo and Myo Myint Oo during interrogations at a detention center and denied them legal counsel, according to the statement. Aung San Oo was being held at Myeik Prison in late 2024 and was allowed twice-monthly family visits, according to the publication’s chief editor.
The Ministry of Information did not reply to CPJ’s emailed request for comment in late 2024 on Aung San Lin’s conviction, alleged abuse during interrogation, sentencing, health, and treatment in prison.