Photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike was arrested and sentenced to 20 years in prison with hard labour for reporting on the aftermath of a cyclone in Myanmar.
“All of Sai Zaw Thaike’s colleagues at Myanmar Now and I are deeply saddened to hear of the lengthy sentence handed down to him. His sentencing is yet another indication that freedom of the press has been completely quashed under the military junta’s rule and shows the hefty price independent journalists in Myanmar must pay for their professional work.
We will not waiver in our commitment to continue providing news and information to the people of Myanmar, despite the immense challenges we are facing.” – Myanmar Now’s editor-in-chief Swe Win.
Sai Zaw has faced brutal torture and beatings inside prison, and his mental health is deteriorating with the prospect of facing such a lengthy time behind bars.
“Mentally, I’m completely broken. Hell on earth—that’s our great country. Prison is even worse hell inside that hell. From the moment I entered, I was forced to bow my head and was beaten…”
We must let Sai Zaw know that we are thinking of him, standing alongside him in solidarity and are fighting for his freedom.
Write a message of solidarity for Sai Zaw now.
When writing a message or uploading a picture consider some of Sai Zaw’s favourite things to cheer him up.
Sai Zaw loves watching movies, football, his 5 cats and collecting vintage items.
