American editor to remain detained in Myanmar

An American journalist detained in Myanmar will remain in custody until July after making a court appearance on Tuesday.

Danny Fenster, managing editor of the magazine Frontier Myanmar, appeared in a special court in Yangon’s Insein Prison, where they ruled Fenster has to stay in custody for another two weeks until his July 1 court date, the outlet said in a statement.

The charge Fenster is facing stems from a law that was enacted by the military two weeks after their coup in February and goes after anyone who “causes or intends to cause fear to a group of citizens or to the public,” “causes or intends to spread false news, knowing or believing that it is untrue” or “causes or intends to commit or to agitate directly or indirectly criminal offence against a Government employee, any kind of Government employees or Government employees.”

Frontier Myanmar said that authorities did not provide a reason for the charge against Fenster and representatives for the outlet were not allowed to attend the court hearing Tuesday.

The journalist could receive a fine, three years in prison or both for the charge.

The magazine said the charge has been used against journalists in the country who have been perceived by the government to be reporting against the military. 

“We are shocked and frustrated that he has been detained for no apparent reason, and are concerned for his wellbeing. We are doing what we can to support him, as well as his family and friends, until he is freed,” the outlet said. 

Fenster was arrested back in May after he attempted to fly out of the country and go to Malaysia. 

There have reportedly been 90 journalists arrested since the military coup that occurred in February, according to Myanmar’s Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.