Intelligence Bulletin Pacific

DC-PACIFIC-HUM

Unclassified

Station Chief Pacific/Koreas-Dominic Capolungo

Distribution:

Chief of Staff

Director of Communications

United Nations Ambassador

Under Secretary for Human Rights

Intelligence Officer North Asia

Intelligence Bulletin

Myanmar- 05 November, 2018

0200 GMT

Subject: The appeal of imprisoned Reuters Journalists

Status: Developing

Event: Two Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, were found guilty in Myanmar for reporting on military violence against the Rohingya muslim minority.  The evidence brought forth against the journalists was insufficient and suspicious. They were accused of possessing secret government documents and charged with espionage.  Possible police set-up and lack of due process given to the two men involved. Currently, an appeals process is underway to have the two men released based on false accusations.

Action: This is a direct attack on democracy and the U.S must be prepared to defend freedom of speech across the globe.  In this case, it is of interest for the U.S to place political pressure on the Myanmar government to have the two journalists released.  The U.S should also look into the possibility of sending legal aid to the appeals lawyers in order to assist in the process.

Est. Cost:

Legal Aid: $25,000