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Norwegian Burma Committee
Ung journalist fengslet i Burma
Her co-accused in the same case Myint Naing was given additional 25 year prison sentence.
They were charged under the Electronic Act and for another political case which has yet to be made public.
The lawyers in Pakokku are reluctant to represent the accused in political cases in fear of possible harassments and intimidation from police and local authorities. Furthermore, unattractive lawyers’ fees for these cases are another disincentive, a Rangoon based legal consultant Aung Thein said.
Depending on fearless journalists
Thai-based Burma Media Association (BMA) Vice-Chairman Zin Lin said that they strongly condemn the additional long prison terms given to the female reporter.
“She was arrested while she was trying to cover news and facts which should be known by the people. We strongly condemn the long prison sentences to a reporter which are framed under a false case. We object this act”, Zin Lin said.
Democratic Voice of Burma sends news several times a day, and is closely linked to democracy organizations. The channel undergoes censorship in Burma by sending news and information programs in the country.
Most news is based on reports from journalists who work in secret in Burma. The channel is therefore dependent on working with reporters and journalists who dare to work in secret in the dictatorship of the state.
Arrested under monastery visits
Hla Hla Win had worked as a reporter for the Democratic Voice of Burma for two years when the security police arrested her and her assistant when they visited a monastery in the town of Pakokku in Burma. New Year’s Eve she received the sentence of 20 years in a court in Pakokku.
The young video journalist to have been convicted for violation of the country’s Electronics laws. The regime in Burma has not yet commented on events.
Trying to avoid criticism
Editor Aye Chan Naing said that people seldom are convicted of journalistic activities in Burma, the authorities will find instead the second justification for incarceration. They would namely not to get criticized for having political prisoners.
Electronics laws, which among other things, deals with the use of video equipment, is often used when the video reporters should be judged.
– Then they can always answer: No, we do not have political prisoners, only criminals. By using various laws, they can get away with this, explains Naing.
Promises new elections 
Burmese authorities have promised elections in the country this year, it is in this case, the first election in Burma for over twenty years. The last option on the new National Assembly was held in 1990, and ended with victory for democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyis party National League for Democracy. The military refused to give up power.
Most people think that a new election only guarantees continued power of the military regime.
Burmese generals and judges continue to arrest journalists, democracy activists, student leaders and monks who took part in the commotion in the summer of 2008.
