A&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;journalist&nbsp;arrested while covering the aftermath of the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;coup arrived in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Friday, after charges against him were dropped as a diplomatic gesture.

Yuki Kitazumi,&nbsp;held&nbsp;in Yangon's Insein prison since his arrest last month, was one of at least 80 reporters detained during the junta's crackdown on anti-coup dissent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/japanese-journalist-charged-in-myanmar-for-spreading-false-news-382763">Japanese journalist charged in Myanmar for spreading false news</a>

Security forces have killed more than 780 people since protests erupted following the February 1 coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, according to a local monitoring group.

"I am in good health, both mentally and physically," said Kitazumi after landing at&nbsp;Tokyo's Narita airport.

But he admitted he was "extremely frustrated" at being deported from&nbsp;Myanmar.

"I am a&nbsp;journalist&nbsp;and I wanted to convey what was happening in Yangon," he said, adding that he had collected harrowing testimonies from his fellow inmates in prison.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-soldiers-aiming-to-silence-protests-target-journalists-375047">Myanmar soldiers, aiming to silence protests, target journalists</a>

"Some are deprived of meals for two days, others are questioned whilst being threatened with a weapon, or beaten if they try to deny (the allegations).

"Thanks to my&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;nationality, I was able to escape this type of treatment, but the reality is that many Burmese are being tortured."

Japanese&nbsp;Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said earlier that&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;had used "various channels" to press for Kitazumi's release and that it had been "tough work".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/japan-seeks-release-of-journalist-arrested-in-myanmar-for-second-time-378647">Japan seeks release of journalist arrested in Myanmar for second time</a>

"As a result of those efforts, yesterday the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;authorities announced that they would withdraw the indictment," he told reporters in&nbsp;Tokyo.

$4 million food aid&nbsp;

The minister also announced that Japan has offered&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;$4 million in emergency food aid via the World Food Programme.

The support is expected to help 600,000 people.

"Food supply to the impoverished population in Yangon region is rapidly deteriorating amid this situation, and they are facing difficulties in even maintaining the most basic living conditions," the&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

In late March, Japan had announced it was suspending new aid to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;in response to the coup.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/japan-finalising-plans-to-halt-fresh-aid-to-myanmar-says-report-366083">Japan finalising plans to halt fresh aid to Myanmar, says report</a>

"We have continued our calls on&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;to immediately stop violence, release those who are detained (political prisoners) and return to the democratic political process," Motegi said.

Myanmar&nbsp;state broadcaster MRTV announced Thursday that the charges against&nbsp;journalist&nbsp;Kitazumi were being dropped "in order to reconcile with Japan and improve our relationship".

State media said an earlier investigation found that Kitazumi "supported the protests".

He was charged under a newly revised provision in the penal code which criminalises spreading fake news, criticising the coup or encouraging disobedience among soldiers and civil servants.&nbsp;

Those convicted can face up to three years in jail.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thailand-seeking-humanitarian-solution-for-detained-myanmar-journalists-384263">Thailand seeking 'humanitarian' solution for detained Myanmar journalists</a>

Kitazumi, who had previously been arrested in February but released soon afterwards, was the first foreign&nbsp;journalist&nbsp;to be charged since the coup.

A Polish photographer arrested while covering a protest in March was freed and deported after nearly two weeks in custody.

As well as arresting reporters and photographers, the junta has also revoked broadcasting licences and ordered regular internet outages as it seeks to suppress news of the anti-coup protest movement.

On Wednesday, a reporter for independent media outlet DVB, Min Nyo, was sentenced to three years in jail for criminal mutiny.

Ko Aung Kyaw Oo, a former reporter for Tomorrow Journal, was arrested on Thursday afternoon, his son confirmed to AFP.

Forty-five journalists and photographers remain in custody across&nbsp;Myanmar, according to monitoring group Reporting ASEAN.

A Japanese journalist arrested while covering the aftermath of the Myanmar coup arrived in Tokyo Friday, after charges against him were dropped as a diplomatic gesture.

A Japanese journalist arrested while covering the aftermath of the Myanmar coup arrived in Tokyo Friday, after charges against him were dropped as a diplomatic gesture. Yuki Kitazumi, held in Yangon's Insein prison since his arrest last month, was one of at least 80 reporters detained during the junta's crackdown on anti-coup dissent. Also read | Japanese journalist charged in Myanmar for spreading false news Security forces have killed more than 780 people since protests erupted following the February 1 coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, according to a local monitoring group. "I am in good health, both mentally and physically," said Kitazumi after landing at Tokyo's Narita airport. But he admitted he was "extremely frustrated" at being deported from Myanmar. "I am a journalist and I wanted to convey what was happening in Yangon," he said, adding that he had collected harrowing testimonies from his fellow inmates in prison. Also read | Myanmar soldiers, aiming to silence protests, target journalists "Some are deprived of meals for two days, others are questioned whilst being threatened with a weapon, or beaten if they try to deny (the allegations). "Thanks to my Japanese nationality, I was able to escape this type of treatment, but the reality is that many Burmese are being tortured." Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said earlier that Tokyo had used "various channels" to press for Kitazumi's release and that it had been "tough work". Also read | Japan seeks release of journalist arrested in Myanmar for second time "As a result of those efforts, yesterday the Myanmar authorities announced that they would withdraw the indictment," he told reporters in Tokyo. $4 million food aid The minister also announced that Japan has offered Myanmar $4 million in emergency food aid via the World Food Programme. The support is expected to help 600,000 people. "Food supply to the impoverished population in Yangon region is rapidly deteriorating amid this situation, and they are facing difficulties in even maintaining the most basic living conditions," the Japanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. In late March, Japan had announced it was suspending new aid to Myanmar in response to the coup. Also read | Japan finalising plans to halt fresh aid to Myanmar, says report "We have continued our calls on Myanmar to immediately stop violence, release those who are detained (political prisoners) and return to the democratic political process," Motegi said. Myanmar state broadcaster MRTV announced Thursday that the charges against journalist Kitazumi were being dropped "in order to reconcile with Japan and improve our relationship". State media said an earlier investigation found that Kitazumi "supported the protests". He was charged under a newly revised provision in the penal code which criminalises spreading fake news, criticising the coup or encouraging disobedience among soldiers and civil servants. Those convicted can face up to three years in jail. Also read | Thailand seeking 'humanitarian' solution for detained Myanmar journalists Kitazumi, who had previously been arrested in February but released soon afterwards, was the first foreign journalist to be charged since the coup. A Polish photographer arrested while covering a protest in March was freed and deported after nearly two weeks in custody. As well as arresting reporters and photographers, the junta has also revoked broadcasting licences and ordered regular internet outages as it seeks to suppress news of the anti-coup protest movement. On Wednesday, a reporter for independent media outlet DVB, Min Nyo, was sentenced to three years in jail for criminal mutiny. Ko Aung Kyaw Oo, a former reporter for Tomorrow Journal, was arrested on Thursday afternoon, his son confirmed to AFP. Forty-five journalists and photographers remain in custody across Myanmar, according to monitoring group Reporting ASEAN.

Japanese journalist held in Myanmar arrives in Tokyo

Protests in Myanmar continued to soar, demanding the reinstatement of the government run by ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The protesters have asked for more nationwide dissent in a coordinated attempt to counter the military junta.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, six people were killed in the country as police and soldiers continued to use force to slow down demonstrations, being hailed as “spring revolution” by protesters. Protests have soared in the country in the aftermath of a military coup on February 1.

Protesters have taken to street marches, including a civil disobedience campaign including strikes and rebellion. The junta has attempted to clip dissent by shutting down wireless broadband services and mobile data services.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/myanmar-protesters-use-easter-eggs-as-a-symbol-of-defiance-375325" hreflang="en">Myanmar protesters use Easter eggs as a symbol of defiance&nbsp;</a>

Suu Kyi’s placards were used by demonstrators urging for international intervention in the country, and protesters marched the streets of Mandalay.

A coordinated applause across the country took place on Monday to give recognition to ethnic minority armies who have now sided with the anti-coup movement. These armies fought against security forces and also shielded wounded protesters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/workers-in-myanmar-are-on-a-silent-revolution-will-the-military-relent-375237" hreflang="en">Workers in Myanmar are on a silent revolution. Will the military relent?</a>

"Lets clap for five minutes on April 5, 5 p.m. to honour Ethnic Armed Organisations and Gen Z defence youths from Myanmar including Yangon who are fighting in the revolution fight on behalf of us," Ei Thinzar Maung, a protest leader’s post on Facebook said.

The opponents of military rule have inscribed messages on Easter eggs to get their messages across, inscribing “we must win” and “get out MAH”.

Protests in Myanmar continued to soar, demanding the reinstatement of the government run by ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The protesters have asked for more nationwide dissent in a coordinated attempt to counter the military junta.

Protests in Myanmar continued to soar, demanding the reinstatement of the government run by ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The protesters have asked for more nationwide dissent in a coordinated attempt to counter the military junta. Over the weekend, six people were killed in the country as police and soldiers continued to use force to slow down demonstrations, being hailed as “spring revolution” by protesters. Protests have soared in the country in the aftermath of a military coup on February 1. Protesters have taken to street marches, including a civil disobedience campaign including strikes and rebellion. The junta has attempted to clip dissent by shutting down wireless broadband services and mobile data services. Also read: Myanmar protesters use Easter eggs as a symbol of defiance Suu Kyi’s placards were used by demonstrators urging for international intervention in the country, and protesters marched the streets of Mandalay. A coordinated applause across the country took place on Monday to give recognition to ethnic minority armies who have now sided with the anti-coup movement. These armies fought against security forces and also shielded wounded protesters. Also read: Workers in Myanmar are on a silent revolution. Will the military relent? "Lets clap for five minutes on April 5, 5 p.m. to honour Ethnic Armed Organisations and Gen Z defence youths from Myanmar including Yangon who are fighting in the revolution fight on behalf of us," Ei Thinzar Maung, a protest leader’s post on Facebook said. The opponents of military rule have inscribed messages on Easter eggs to get their messages across, inscribing “we must win” and “get out MAH”.

Protesters in Myanmar demand international intervention amid defiance against military

Over the weekend, Myanmar's military opened fire on innocent protesters, leading to the deaths of 18. The junta's crackdown shed light on the extent to which the military is ready to sustain the coup, and how it operates&nbsp;with impunity. 
 
Now, they are openly issuing death threats through TikTok. Videos of soldiers dressed in military fatigues showing off their automatic weapons and bullets while issuing&nbsp;threats to protesters are going viral on the Chinese app.

While the identities of soldiers in clips have not been verified, an activist claims that there are over 800 such videos on social media with soldiers of the Tatmadaw, Myanmar's armed forces. They openly threatened violence against peaceful protesters. In a clip, two soldiers pointed their rifles at the camera. In another clip, a soldier threatened protesters with his gun. Another went a step further to show that his gun was loaded with real bullets, and not rubber shots.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/18-die-as-cops-shoot-protesters-in-tiananmen-square-like-myanmar-suppression-367700" hreflang="en">18 die as cops shoot protesters in Tiananmen Square-like Myanmar suppression</a>

The videos are circulating freely on TikTok, a Chinese social media platform that was banned in India last year. In Myanmar, TikTok serving threats from the military to the peaceful protesters. While social media giant Facebook banned Myanmar's military, TikTok is allowing the soldiers to openly threaten protesters.

According to a report, rights activists and journalists have found several clips like these on TikTok, and are demanding a complete takedown. In a statement to a news website, TikTok said it doesn't allow content that incites violence. But it didn't comment on the videos by the soldiers directly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/myanmars-junta-using-digital-weapons-arsenal-against-protesters-367510" hreflang="en">'Myanmar's junta using digital weapons’ arsenal against protesters'</a> 
 
In a clip shot by a local in Monywa, security forces could be seen dragging the protesters, with streets covered in blood. On Wednesday, at least seven people died across Myanmar. In the crackdown by the military junta, around 30 have been killed since the ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi. The violence, along with the clips on TikTok shows how brazenly the military is killing Myanmar's fragile democracy.

Over the weekend, Myanmar's military opened fire on innocent protesters, leading to the deaths of 18. The junta's crackdown shed light on the extent to which the military is ready to sustain the coup, and how it operates with impunity.

Over the weekend, Myanmar's military opened fire on innocent protesters, leading to the deaths of 18. The junta's crackdown shed light on the extent to which the military is ready to sustain the coup, and how it operates with impunity. Now, they are openly issuing death threats through TikTok. Videos of soldiers dressed in military fatigues showing off their automatic weapons and bullets while issuing threats to protesters are going viral on the Chinese app. While the identities of soldiers in clips have not been verified, an activist claims that there are over 800 such videos on social media with soldiers of the Tatmadaw, Myanmar's armed forces. They openly threatened violence against peaceful protesters. In a clip, two soldiers pointed their rifles at the camera. In another clip, a soldier threatened protesters with his gun. Another went a step further to show that his gun was loaded with real bullets, and not rubber shots. Also read: 18 die as cops shoot protesters in Tiananmen Square-like Myanmar suppression The videos are circulating freely on TikTok, a Chinese social media platform that was banned in India last year. In Myanmar, TikTok serving threats from the military to the peaceful protesters. While social media giant Facebook banned Myanmar's military, TikTok is allowing the soldiers to openly threaten protesters. According to a report, rights activists and journalists have found several clips like these on TikTok, and are demanding a complete takedown. In a statement to a news website, TikTok said it doesn't allow content that incites violence. But it didn't comment on the videos by the soldiers directly. Also read: 'Myanmar's junta using digital weapons’ arsenal against protesters' In a clip shot by a local in Monywa, security forces could be seen dragging the protesters, with streets covered in blood. On Wednesday, at least seven people died across Myanmar. In the crackdown by the military junta, around 30 have been killed since the ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi. The violence, along with the clips on TikTok shows how brazenly the military is killing Myanmar's fragile democracy.

Online threats by Myanmar's military shed light on impunity enjoyed by armed forces

A Myanmar journalist faces up to life in prison for publishing an interview with a rebel group operating in the country's restive Rakhine state a week after the insurgents were classified as a terrorist organisation.

The western region has long been a tinderbox of conflict between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA), a group demanding greater autonomy for the state's ethnic Rakhine people.

Clashes have left scores of civilians killed, hundreds injured and about 150,000 displaced since January last year, and both sides have traded allegations of abuse.

A March 27 interview with a top-ranking AA representative published by the Mandalay-based Voice of Myanmar led to the detention of editor-in-chief Nay Myo Lin, who was brought to court on terrorism charges Tuesday.

The interview was published after the government declared on March 23 that the insurgents had been classified as a "terrorist group".

"I was accused under two charges of the counter-terrorism law," he told reporters before leaving the court in Mandalay.

The charges -- which cover violations including allowing terrorist groups to spread fear, gather or hide -- were filed by Special Branch, Myanmar's intelligence arm, he said.&nbsp;

They carry penalties ranging from three years to life in prison.

"This is disturbing for press freedom," said the journalist, who previously worked for the BBC's Burmese-language news service.

His wife Zarni Mann, a reporter with independent local news outlet The Irrawaddy, said her husband's laptop was seized.

She decried the use of counter-terrorism laws against journalists.

Amnesty International's Nicholas Bequelin called for the charges to be dropped and for Nay Myo Lin's immediate release.&nbsp;

"Myanmar must stop arresting journalists simply for doing their jobs," Bequelin said.&nbsp;

Myanmar has come under fire in the past for the high-profile jailing of two Reuters journalists who were convicted in 2018 of breaching a law on state secrets after revealing a massacre of Rohingya Muslims.

The pair were eventually freed by presidential pardon after spending more than a year in jail.

Myanmar is ranked 138 out of 180 countries for press freedom by campaign group Reporters Without Borders.&nbsp;

A Myanmar journalist faces up to life in prison for publishing an interview with a rebel group operating in the country's restive Rakhine state a week after the insurgents were classified as a terrorist organisation.

A Myanmar journalist faces up to life in prison for publishing an interview with a rebel group operating in the country's restive Rakhine state a week after the insurgents were classified as a terrorist organisation. The western region has long been a tinderbox of conflict between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA), a group demanding greater autonomy for the state's ethnic Rakhine people. Clashes have left scores of civilians killed, hundreds injured and about 150,000 displaced since January last year, and both sides have traded allegations of abuse. A March 27 interview with a top-ranking AA representative published by the Mandalay-based Voice of Myanmar led to the detention of editor-in-chief Nay Myo Lin, who was brought to court on terrorism charges Tuesday. The interview was published after the government declared on March 23 that the insurgents had been classified as a "terrorist group". "I was accused under two charges of the counter-terrorism law," he told reporters before leaving the court in Mandalay. The charges -- which cover violations including allowing terrorist groups to spread fear, gather or hide -- were filed by Special Branch, Myanmar's intelligence arm, he said. They carry penalties ranging from three years to life in prison. "This is disturbing for press freedom," said the journalist, who previously worked for the BBC's Burmese-language news service. His wife Zarni Mann, a reporter with independent local news outlet The Irrawaddy, said her husband's laptop was seized. She decried the use of counter-terrorism laws against journalists. Amnesty International's Nicholas Bequelin called for the charges to be dropped and for Nay Myo Lin's immediate release. "Myanmar must stop arresting journalists simply for doing their jobs," Bequelin said. Myanmar has come under fire in the past for the high-profile jailing of two Reuters journalists who were convicted in 2018 of breaching a law on state secrets after revealing a massacre of Rohingya Muslims. The pair were eventually freed by presidential pardon after spending more than a year in jail. Myanmar is ranked 138 out of 180 countries for press freedom by campaign group Reporters Without Borders.