AP journalist released in Myanmar

An Associated Press journalist who was detained while covering the protests in Myanmar has been released.

The AP reported that Thein Zaw was released on Wednesday, adding that he said all the charges against him were being dropped because he was doing his job as he was being arrested.

“I’m looking forward to meeting my family members,” Zaw told the news service. “I’m sorry for some colleagues who are still in prison.”

Ian Philips, the AP’s vice president for international news, told the news service that it was relieved about Zaw’s release and called on Myanmar to release all reporters who had been detained.

“The Associated Press is deeply relieved that AP journalist Thein Zaw has been freed from prison in Myanmar,” Phillips added. “Our relief is tempered by the fact that additional journalists there remain detained. We urge Myanmar to release all journalists and allow them to report freely and safely on what is happening inside the country.”

Zaw, who was arrested in late February while covering anti-coup protests in Yangon, was facing up to three years in prison for violating a public order law. He was detained as he was photographing police, the AP noted.

Zaw’s detention was extended on March 12, and a hearing for him was held on Wednesday.

The U.S. had pressed Myanmar’s military to release Zaw and other reporters who were detained earlier this month.

Zaw’s arrest came on a day when at least 38 people were reportedly killed during protests.