Mandalay-based Yadanarbon Daily reporter Ko Pyae Phyo Aung was sentenced to two years in prison by the Military Council, according to a Mandalay-based journalist close to him.

"The final order was issued yesterday. He was arrested in Sagaing Division about 10 months ago and charged with Article 505. He is a reporter from Yadanabon newspaper. Everyone knows that Yadanarbon is a military-owned newspaper. He also writes news on Voice of Myanmar (VOM),” he added on January 7.

Pyae Phyo Aung was arrested in Sagaing on October 10 after a military coup and was detained in Shwebo prison and then he was charged under Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code.

Section 505 (a) prohibits causing fear, spreading false news and agitating crimes against a government employee, all punishable by up to three years' imprisonment.

Pyae Phyo Aung lives in Sagaing and he is a journalist for Mandalay and Upper Myanmar, including Sagaing.