Military junta: Japanese journalist sentenced to imprisonment in Myanmar

A court controlled by the military junta in Myanmar has sentenced a Japanese journalist and documentary filmmaker to seven years in prison for inciting hatred and violating communications laws.

Military junta: Japanese journalist sentenced to imprisonment in Myanmar

A court controlled by the military junta in Myanmar has sentenced a Japanese journalist and documentary filmmaker to seven years in prison for inciting hatred and violating communications laws. This was confirmed by sources familiar with the process on Thursday of the German Press Agency. Toru Kubota, 26, entered Myanmar on July 1 and was arrested on July 30 after filming a small protest in the largest city of Yangon (formerly Rangoon), sources said.

"He was arrested under martial law in a district of Yangon and convicted on two counts by the military tribunal on Wednesday," the source said. Kubota received three years in prison for the incitement to hatred and seven years for the other alleged offence. However, he could serve the sentences at the same time, which is why the sentence ultimately amounts to seven years.

Since the coup in early February 2021 and the removal of de facto Prime Minister Aung San Suu Kyi from power, the junta has ruled with an iron fist. The military cracks down on any resistance. Foreigners are also targeted by the generals. Observers and the media are generally forbidden from entering the courtrooms.

Australian economist and Suu Kyi advisor Sean Turnell was sentenced to three years in prison at the end of September. He was charged with violating an official secrets law. Earlier in September, the former British ambassador to the country, Vicky Bowman, was sentenced to a year in prison on alleged immigration violations. Other international journalists have also been imprisoned: US reporter Danny Fenster was imprisoned for six months before being released in November 2021. Another Japanese journalist, Yuki Kitazumi, was arrested in April 2021. After almost four weeks he was deported.

Suu Kyi has already been sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison over the past few months for various alleged offenses, including corruption and incitement to riot. Observers speak of show trials. The 77-year-old has been in solitary confinement in a prison in the capital Naypyidaw since June.

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