International Amnesty: "Thai Police Arrest Myanmar Journalists and Activists Opposing Coup... Forced Repatriation Not Allowed"

On the 11th (local time), marking 100 days since the military coup, protesters denouncing the military government marched through the streets of Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, carrying placards.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] International human rights organization Amnesty International has expressed strong concern over the arrest of five Myanmar journalists and activists who were active in Thailand opposing the Myanmar military coup, stating that "forced repatriation violates international law."

On the 13th, Amnesty International issued a press release saying, "If they are forcibly repatriated, they could face serious risks to their lives," emphasizing that "this violates the obligation under international law of the principle of non-refoulement." This was reported by Amnesty International Korea.

According to Amnesty International, on the 9th (local time), three journalists and two activists from the 'Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB)' were arrested by Thai police in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and are at risk of forced repatriation. Since the coup, the Myanmar military has revoked licenses of many media outlets, and currently dozens of journalists face detention, prosecution, or arrest. DVB had been covering anti-coup protests in Myanmar until March 8, when the military revoked its TV license.

Ming Yu Ha, Regional Campaigns Deputy Director at Amnesty International, pointed out, "The Thai government must never forcibly repatriate them to Myanmar," adding, "Reports of torture and ill-treatment of detainees in Myanmar have long existed and have intensified since the coup." She further stated, "DVB is a media outlet that has boldly raised its voice demanding accountability from the Myanmar military regime for years. If these journalists return to Myanmar, they will face even greater danger, so we urge the Thai government to provide refuge to those seeking safety in accordance with international law."

Amnesty International is conducting the '#MyanmarNeverSilenced' campaign, which broadcasts messages of solidarity from citizens worldwide to the people of Myanmar. This campaign, planned to coincide with World Press Freedom Day (May 3 annually), will continue until the 17th of this month.