Two year sentence handed down to Rangoon journalist - Zaw Tun

By Myo Thein

Rangoon (Mizzima) – The Bahan Township Court has sentenced the former chief reporter of the The News Watch journal, Zaw Tun, to two years imprisonment.

The court yesterday sentenced Zaw Tun (34), of No. 32 Ward, North Dagon Satellite Township, with obstructing a public servant in the discharging of his duty.

A security officer found Zaw Tun near Aung San Suu Kyi’s house last September and arrested him following questioning.

Suu Kyi, who today turns 64, is currently being held in Insein prison while standing trial after being accused of breaching the terms of her former period of detention.

Zaw Tun, who had been freed on bail following his arrest, learned of his sentencing during yesterday's court proceedings.

According to sources in the Home Ministry, Zaw Tun was serving as The News Watch's chief reporter at that time he allegedly responded impolitely to police questions regarding his reasons for being in the vicinity of Suu Kyi's compound.

A local journalist friend of Zaw Tun's says the imprisoned reporter is a charming and sociable character with many friends, and proud to be a journalist.

Zaw Tun resigned from The News Watch at the beginning of this year and has since been working as a freelance journalist.