Three reporters working for a now-banned news broadcaster in Myanmar have been arrested in Thailand on charges of illegally entering the country.
The three journalists work for the Democratic Voice of Burma, an online and broadcast news outlet that was recently shut down by the ruling military junta.
DVB Executive Editor Aye Chan Naing said in a statement the trio was arrested Sunday in the northern city of Chiang Mai, along with two activists. He urged the Thai government not to deport the five people back to Myanmar, saying their lives “will be in serious danger if they were to return.”
Aye Chan also appealed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
DVB is one of several independent news organizations whose operating licenses was revoked since the military ousted the civilian government on February 1 and detained its civilian leadership, including de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Dozens of reporters have also been arrested.
3 Myanmar Journalists Arrested in Thailand
In this photo released by the San Sai District Administrative Office, journalists working for Democratic Voice of Burma, prepare to get into a van after being arrested at San Sai District in Chiang Mai province north of Thailand May 9, 2021.