Reuters chief expresses dismay at decision to prosecute two Reuters reporters

10 January 2018
Reuters chief expresses dismay at decision to prosecute two Reuters reporters
Detained Reuters journalist Kyaw Soe Oo calls to his wife outside court. Photo: Thet Ko for Mizzima

Mr Stephen J. Adler, President and Editor-in-Chief of Reuters has expressed his disappointment that two of his company’s Myanmar reporters are being prosecuted under the antiquated Official Secrets Act.
His press statement, released on January 10 following the appearance of the two journalists in court, is as follows:
“We are extremely disappointed that the authorities seek to prosecute Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo under Myanmar’s Official Secrets Act. We view this as a wholly unwarranted, blatant attack on press freedom. Our colleagues should be allowed to return to their jobs reporting on events in Myanmar. We believe time is of the essence and we continue to call for Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo’s prompt release,” he said.