The Bahan Township Court sentenced the former chief reporter of the "The News Watch" journal to two years' imprisonment.
(Mizzima/IFEX) – The Bahan Township Court has sentenced the former chief reporter of the “The News Watch” journal, Zaw Tun, to two years’ imprisonment.
On 19 June 2009, the court sentenced Zaw Tun (34), of No. 32 Ward, North Dagon Satellite Township, with obstructing a public servant in the discharging of his duty.
A security officer found Zaw Tun near Aung San Suu Kyi’s house in September 2008 and arrested him following questioning.
Suu Kyi, who turned 64 on 19 June, is currently being held in Insein prison while standing trial after being accused of breaching the terms of her former period of detention.
Zaw Tun, who had been freed on bail following his arrest, learned of his sentencing during the 19 June court proceedings.
According to sources in the Home Ministry, Zaw Tun was serving as “The News Watch”‘s chief reporter at the time that he allegedly responded impolitely to police questions regarding his reasons for being in the vicinity of Suu Kyi’s compound.
A local journalist who knows Zaw Tun says the imprisoned reporter is a charming and sociable character with many friends, and that he is proud to be a journalist.
Zaw Tun resigned from “The News Watch” at the beginning of this year and has since been working as a freelance journalist.
