Myanmar Journalist Receives 20-Year Sentence for Cyclone Reporting

A photojournalist working for independent outlet Myanmar Now has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by Myanmar's military authorities. Sai Zaw Thaike was arrested in May while reporting on the consequences of Cyclone Mocha, which killed over 140 people, including Rohingya refugees. The charges against him are unclear, but his arrest and sentencing highlight the suppression of press freedom under the military junta's rule. Myanmar is one of the deadliest countries for journalists, with over 150 arrests and four deaths since the coup. The ASEAN nations have condemned the violence in Myanmar, urging the military to de-escalate and stop targeted attacks on civilians. The US also expressed support for the statement and called for an end to the violence and the release of unjustly detained individuals.