The Myanmar government has announced withdrawal of the law suits against eight journalists and activists, according to a statemnet from the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services office on Friday.
The eight journalists and activists include U Wai Phyo, chief editor of the Daily Eleven newspaper, who was charged under Section 502 of the Penal Code for defamation, U Kyaw Min Swe, chief editor of the Voice Daily, and Britichar Ko Ko Maung (columnist) who were charged under News Media Law Section 25(B) and Telecommunication Act Section 66(d).
Also, two senior reporters of DVB - U Aye Naing and U Pyi Phone Aung and senior reporter of Irrawaddy news, who were charged under Unlawful Associations Act 17(1) and the other two activists are also on the list that the military has decided to withdraw the law suits against the journalists.
According to the statement, the military has decided to withdraw the law suits as a token of recognizing the journalists cooperation in serving the interests of the nation and the people by sharing common ground with the same intention.
And Myanmar Press Council has been asked to ensure that the journalists strictly observe professional ethics in their reports.