Resolution on the Media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the Media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, ECR, The Left groups and Members.

Parliament strongly condemned the military junta’s violent and illegitimate rule in Myanmar which has resulted in a particularly alarming humanitarian situation and human rights crisis in the country, characterised by widespread impunity. It also strongly condemned all types of persecution of independent journalists.

The resolution called for the immediate end to the unlawful state of emergency in the country, the restoration of the civilian government, the return to a path towards democracy and the swift opening of parliament with the participation of all its elected representatives.

The military junta is called on to:

- unconditionally release President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and all others who have been arrested on the strength of baseless accusations, to hand power over to the legitimate authorities, to respect the rule of law and media freedom;

- immediately put an end to the military attacks, air strikes and violence against Myanmar’s population;

- drop all politically motivated charges against members of the press and media workers, and unconditionally release all journalists unjustly detained, including Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint, Nyein Nyein Aye, Maung Maung Myo, Thurin Kyaw, Hanthar Nyein, Than Htike Aung, Ye Yint Tun, Tu Tu Tha, Soe Yarzar Tun and Aung San Lin;

- immediately end its abuses, including arbitrary arrests and detention, torture, sexual violence and other ill-treatment, as well as unfair trials against journalists and media workers.

The EU and its Member States are urged to step up international aid, development projects or financial assistance to Myanmar/Burma and to ensure that this does not benefit the military and does not contribute to more human rights violations.

Parliament called on the Council to add the arms dealers Naing Htut Aung, Aung Hlaing Oo and Sit Taing Aung to the sanction list for their role in providing arms and equipment to the military regime.

The resolution welcomed the sanctions imposed by the Council against members of the junta and their businesses and called on the EU to introduce additional targeted sanctions against those responsible for the country’s most serious human rights violations.

Lastly, the resolution condemned Russia and China for giving their political, economic and military backing to Myanmar’s junta.