With less than a month to go to a general election, many journalists in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-briefly-shuts-dozens-of-online-news-sites-citing-security-concerns-183445">Bangladesh say</a> they are living in fear of ever-tightening media laws and engaging in self-censorship as a result.

While Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration has won plaudits globally for welcoming hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar, critics have lashed out at it for cracking down on free speech and an increasingly authoritarian rule.

In interviews Reuters conducted with 32 journalists and editors across print, digital and broadcast media in Bangladesh, the vast majority said the recent strengthening of defamation laws with a new Digital Security Act (DSA) has spread a climate of fear in the industry.

Dozens of journalists were arrested for defamation under the earlier law, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act.

The DSA goes further - penalising obtaining papers, information, or pictures from government offices without official consent, said Asif Nazrul, a professor of Law at the University of Dhaka. "It would make investigative journalism on corruption, human rights abuses and bad governance very tough, if not impossible," he said.

Another piece of legislation, the Broadcast Act 2018, was proposed in October to regulate broadcast news portals.

Both laws restrict bail and allow arrests without a warrant.

The government has denied accusations it’s trying to curb press freedom and Hasina assured a press briefing in October that "journalists who do not publish false news need not worry" about the DSA.

Journalists, however, question the timing of the laws and have staged protests in recent weeks in the capital Dhaka, particularly against the DSA, which they say will thwart their ability to report independently, especially on the upcoming election.

Critics of Hasina, who is seeking a third straight term in power, say the Dec. 30 election will be a litmus test for the strength of democracy in Bangladesh. The last election in 2014 was boycotted by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as unfair and shunned by international observers, with more than half the seats uncontested.

Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor-in-chief of Manab Zamin, a popular Bengali-language daily, said self-censorship was becoming common.

"As an editor, I feel sad when I kill a report that was the outcome of several days of exhaustive work by a reporter. But I take the decision purely to save the reporter, because I know the risks involved in publishing it," he said. "I fight every moment with myself and with my shadow."

"DISTORTING THE TRUTH"

HT Imam, a member of the ruling Awami League and Hasina's political adviser, said journalists need not fear doing their jobs, and "can write on whatever is happening on the ground."

"But they should restrain themselves from distorting the truth – that is very important," he told Reuters. "You should not equate liberty with licence."

The government also says new licences to operate have been issued to several media organisations under Hasina's rule, indicating its support of an independent press.

But while Bangladesh has a bevy of news outlets, many journalists say they can't write as freely as they once did. The case of The Daily Star, the country’s most widely-circulated English newspaper, stands out:

"I used to write a column regularly and fearlessly. Now, I seldom do," said Mahfuz Anam, who has been the editor of The Daily Star for 25 years.

Anam was charged with defamation and treason in more than 80 cases filed by Awami League workers in 2016, with damages sought exceeding $8 billion. They were filed in various lower courts across Bangladesh, forcing him to run around the country seeking bail, and he's had to obtain periodic stays on them ever since.

Anam says his paper is barred from covering the prime minister's events, and advertisers have privately told him that officials have pressured them to stop advertising in his paper.

Two officials at two of Bangladesh's biggest telecom operators said the government had instructed them in 2015 to stop advertising in The Daily Star. They declined to be named for fear of reprisals.

"We never interfere or influence any private organization as it is completely their wish and right," Information Minister Hasanul Haq told Reuters, referring to the advertisers. He said decisions on who should be allowed to attend the prime minister's events were taken by Hasina's security department.

VAGUELY-WORDED LAWS

Government assurances that the laws won't be used against them have failed to assuage concerns of many journalists, who point to past arrests.

While the police says it doesn't maintain figures on detained journalists, global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders says at least 25 journalists and several hundred bloggers and Facebook users were prosecuted under the ICT Act in 2017 alone.

The new DSA has "vaguely-worded provisions that would allow authorities to clamp down even more on dissent," the group said.

Under the proposed broadcast law, media outlets publishing or broadcasting anything deemed to be "false" or against national interest could be fined, lose licences or see their staff jailed.

It's unclear how the election results might impact media freedoms. The BNP says it would strike down the DSA if it wins, but it cracked down on media organisations seen as unfriendly when it was in power more than a decade ago.

Bangladesh now ranks 148th out of 180 countries on the press freedom index compiled by Reporters Without Borders, sliding from 121 in 2009 when Hasina came to power. Haq, the information minister, said the ranking was not fair as it reflected views of only private organisations. "It could be standard if it reflected both government and private views."

Many journalists say there is a growing and conspicuous silence on public criticism of the government, especially online.

Those who speak out have faced action: On July 13, a day after Hasina told parliament it was impossible to accede to some student demands, Maidul Islam, a university professor, posted two words on Facebook "Hasi Na." In the Bengali language, the words mean "Not Laughing."

Days later, an activist backing the Awami League filed a complaint against Islam under the ICT Act, accusing him of defaming the prime minister. Islam was arrested and jailed for more than a month before he got bail, and if he loses the case he faces up to 14 years in prison.

With less than a month to go to a general election, many journalists in Bangladesh say they are living in fear of ever-tightening media laws and engaging in self-censorship as a result.

With less than a month to go to a general election, many journalists in Bangladesh say they are living in fear of ever-tightening media laws and engaging in self-censorship as a result. While Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration has won plaudits globally for welcoming hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar, critics have lashed out at it for cracking down on free speech and an increasingly authoritarian rule. In interviews Reuters conducted with 32 journalists and editors across print, digital and broadcast media in Bangladesh, the vast majority said the recent strengthening of defamation laws with a new Digital Security Act (DSA) has spread a climate of fear in the industry. Dozens of journalists were arrested for defamation under the earlier law, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act. The DSA goes further - penalising obtaining papers, information, or pictures from government offices without official consent, said Asif Nazrul, a professor of Law at the University of Dhaka. "It would make investigative journalism on corruption, human rights abuses and bad governance very tough, if not impossible," he said. Another piece of legislation, the Broadcast Act 2018, was proposed in October to regulate broadcast news portals. Both laws restrict bail and allow arrests without a warrant. The government has denied accusations it’s trying to curb press freedom and Hasina assured a press briefing in October that "journalists who do not publish false news need not worry" about the DSA. Journalists, however, question the timing of the laws and have staged protests in recent weeks in the capital Dhaka, particularly against the DSA, which they say will thwart their ability to report independently, especially on the upcoming election. Critics of Hasina, who is seeking a third straight term in power, say the Dec. 30 election will be a litmus test for the strength of democracy in Bangladesh. The last election in 2014 was boycotted by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as unfair and shunned by international observers, with more than half the seats uncontested. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor-in-chief of Manab Zamin, a popular Bengali-language daily, said self-censorship was becoming common. "As an editor, I feel sad when I kill a report that was the outcome of several days of exhaustive work by a reporter. But I take the decision purely to save the reporter, because I know the risks involved in publishing it," he said. "I fight every moment with myself and with my shadow." "DISTORTING THE TRUTH" HT Imam, a member of the ruling Awami League and Hasina's political adviser, said journalists need not fear doing their jobs, and "can write on whatever is happening on the ground." "But they should restrain themselves from distorting the truth – that is very important," he told Reuters. "You should not equate liberty with licence." The government also says new licences to operate have been issued to several media organisations under Hasina's rule, indicating its support of an independent press. But while Bangladesh has a bevy of news outlets, many journalists say they can't write as freely as they once did. The case of The Daily Star, the country’s most widely-circulated English newspaper, stands out: "I used to write a column regularly and fearlessly. Now, I seldom do," said Mahfuz Anam, who has been the editor of The Daily Star for 25 years. Anam was charged with defamation and treason in more than 80 cases filed by Awami League workers in 2016, with damages sought exceeding $8 billion. They were filed in various lower courts across Bangladesh, forcing him to run around the country seeking bail, and he's had to obtain periodic stays on them ever since. Anam says his paper is barred from covering the prime minister's events, and advertisers have privately told him that officials have pressured them to stop advertising in his paper. Two officials at two of Bangladesh's biggest telecom operators said the government had instructed them in 2015 to stop advertising in The Daily Star. They declined to be named for fear of reprisals. "We never interfere or influence any private organization as it is completely their wish and right," Information Minister Hasanul Haq told Reuters, referring to the advertisers. He said decisions on who should be allowed to attend the prime minister's events were taken by Hasina's security department. VAGUELY-WORDED LAWS Government assurances that the laws won't be used against them have failed to assuage concerns of many journalists, who point to past arrests. While the police says it doesn't maintain figures on detained journalists, global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders says at least 25 journalists and several hundred bloggers and Facebook users were prosecuted under the ICT Act in 2017 alone. The new DSA has "vaguely-worded provisions that would allow authorities to clamp down even more on dissent," the group said. Under the proposed broadcast law, media outlets publishing or broadcasting anything deemed to be "false" or against national interest could be fined, lose licences or see their staff jailed. It's unclear how the election results might impact media freedoms. The BNP says it would strike down the DSA if it wins, but it cracked down on media organisations seen as unfriendly when it was in power more than a decade ago. Bangladesh now ranks 148th out of 180 countries on the press freedom index compiled by Reporters Without Borders, sliding from 121 in 2009 when Hasina came to power. Haq, the information minister, said the ranking was not fair as it reflected views of only private organisations. "It could be standard if it reflected both government and private views." Many journalists say there is a growing and conspicuous silence on public criticism of the government, especially online. Those who speak out have faced action: On July 13, a day after Hasina told parliament it was impossible to accede to some student demands, Maidul Islam, a university professor, posted two words on Facebook "Hasi Na." In the Bengali language, the words mean "Not Laughing." Days later, an activist backing the Awami League filed a complaint against Islam under the ICT Act, accusing him of defaming the prime minister. Islam was arrested and jailed for more than a month before he got bail, and if he loses the case he faces up to 14 years in prison.

In fear of the state, Bangladeshi journalists self-censor as election approaches

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-myanmar-friendship-driven-by-quest-for-mutual-peace-progress-prosperity-president-ram-nath-kovind-183403">President Ram Nath Kovind</a> on Wednesday launched a mobile app for farmers in Myanmar and dedicated a centre to promote agriculture research and education to the people here.

Kovind is in Myanmar on a two-city visit to continue India's high level bilateral engagements under the rubric of the 'Act East Policy' and the 'Neighbourhood First Policy'.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that the president launched the mobile app on agritech while dedicating the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education (ACARE) in Yezin Agricultural University to the people of Myanmar.

ACARE, a project assisted by the Indian government, focuses on genetics, post harvest technology, participatory knowledge management and capacity building for farmers in Myanmar, Kumar said.

President Kovind also dedicated the Rice Bio Park in Yezin Agricultural University to the people of Myanmar which was set up under the mentorship of M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, he said.

Later, the President and First Lady Savita arrived at the Yangon International Airport on their second leg of two-city visit to Myanmar. They were welcomed by Phyo Min Thein, Chief Minister of Yangon along with other dignitaries.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday launched a mobile app for farmers in Myanmar and dedicated a centre to promote agriculture research and education to the people here.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday launched a mobile app for farmers in Myanmar and dedicated a centre to promote agriculture research and education to the people here. Kovind is in Myanmar on a two-city visit to continue India's high level bilateral engagements under the rubric of the 'Act East Policy' and the 'Neighbourhood First Policy'. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that the president launched the mobile app on agritech while dedicating the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education (ACARE) in Yezin Agricultural University to the people of Myanmar. ACARE, a project assisted by the Indian government, focuses on genetics, post harvest technology, participatory knowledge management and capacity building for farmers in Myanmar, Kumar said. President Kovind also dedicated the Rice Bio Park in Yezin Agricultural University to the people of Myanmar which was set up under the mentorship of M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, he said. Later, the President and First Lady Savita arrived at the Yangon International Airport on their second leg of two-city visit to Myanmar. They were welcomed by Phyo Min Thein, Chief Minister of Yangon along with other dignitaries.

President Kovind launches mobile app for farmers in Myanmar

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-defends-twitter-ceo-blasted-for-tone-deaf-tweets-183329">Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey</a> on Wednesday said he was "aware of the human rights atrocities and suffering in Myanmar," responding to criticism over his tweets about his meditation retreat in the country that did not mention the plight of Rohingya Muslims.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled a sweeping army crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state in 2017, the United Nations and aid agencies say. The crackdown was launched in response to insurgent Rohingya attacks on security forces.

UN-mandated investigators have accused Myanmar's army of "genocidal intent". Myanmar has denied the accusations, saying its forces engaged in a counter-insurgency operation against "terrorists".

On Wednesday, Dorsey said his visit was "purely personal" and he did not "intend to diminish by not raising the issue, but could have acknowledged that I don’t know enough and need to learn more".

In his initial messages on the social network, Dorsey said, "Myanmar is an absolutely beautiful country. The people are full of joy and the food is amazing."

They included pictures of the barren monastery room in which he stayed during the retreat, as well as an analysis of his heart rate while meditating. There was no reference to the Rohingya.

The comments drew critical comments from human rights observers and users of Twitter.

In August, Reuters described how hate speech spread on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook at the peak of Myanmar's military crackdown.

Dorsey said Twitter was a way for people to share news and information about events in Myanmar, as well as "bear witness to the plight of the Rohingya and other peoples and communities".

He added, "We’re actively working to address emerging issues. This includes violent extremism and hateful conduct."

Last month, Dorsey triggered a social media storm in India after a picture of him with a placard reading "Smash Brahminical patriarchy", referring to the highest Hindu caste, went viral.

Twitter later apologised for the photo.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey on Wednesday said he was "aware of the human rights atrocities and suffering in Myanmar," responding to criticism over his tweets about his meditation retreat in the country that did not mention the plight of Rohingya Muslims.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey on Wednesday said he was "aware of the human rights atrocities and suffering in Myanmar," responding to criticism over his tweets about his meditation retreat in the country that did not mention the plight of Rohingya Muslims. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled a sweeping army crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state in 2017, the United Nations and aid agencies say. The crackdown was launched in response to insurgent Rohingya attacks on security forces. UN-mandated investigators have accused Myanmar's army of "genocidal intent". Myanmar has denied the accusations, saying its forces engaged in a counter-insurgency operation against "terrorists". On Wednesday, Dorsey said his visit was "purely personal" and he did not "intend to diminish by not raising the issue, but could have acknowledged that I don’t know enough and need to learn more". In his initial messages on the social network, Dorsey said, "Myanmar is an absolutely beautiful country. The people are full of joy and the food is amazing." They included pictures of the barren monastery room in which he stayed during the retreat, as well as an analysis of his heart rate while meditating. There was no reference to the Rohingya. The comments drew critical comments from human rights observers and users of Twitter. In August, Reuters described how hate speech spread on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook at the peak of Myanmar's military crackdown. Dorsey said Twitter was a way for people to share news and information about events in Myanmar, as well as "bear witness to the plight of the Rohingya and other peoples and communities". He added, "We’re actively working to address emerging issues. This includes violent extremism and hateful conduct." Last month, Dorsey triggered a social media storm in India after a picture of him with a placard reading "Smash Brahminical patriarchy", referring to the highest Hindu caste, went viral. Twitter later apologised for the photo.

'Aware of atrocities': Twitter CEO responds to critics of Myanmar tweets

Messages of solidarity poured in Wednesday from around the world on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rally-to-mark-one-year-since-arrest-of-myanmar-reuters-journalists-183375">one-year anniversary of the arrest of two Myanmar Reuters journalists</a> who exposed a massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state.

Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/timeline-reuters-journalists-detained-in-myanmar-161794">arrested in Yangon on December 12</a> and handed seven-year jail sentences under a state secrets law as they probed the extrajudicial killing of 10 Rohingya men during the military's brutal crackdown on the stateless minority last year.

The guilty verdict sparked global condemnation, including from US Vice President Mike Pence, and Reuters hired prominent rights attorney Amal Clooney to assist with the case.

The reporters were also honoured alongside other persecuted or slain journalists in Time magazine's Person of the Year issue this week as concerns grow for deteriorating press freedoms in Myanmar and elsewhere in the world.

Despite a tenacious advocacy campaign the two men remain behind bars, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jailed-myanmar-reuters-reporters-to-file-appeal-174223">with an appeal set for later this month</a>.

"The fact that they remain in prison for a crime they did not commit calls into question Myanmar's commitment to democracy, freedom of expression and rule of law," Reuters editor-in-chief Stephen J. Adler said in a statement on the anniversary of the arrest.

Social media platforms have filled with images of supporters making the "thumbs up" gesture that became a hallmark of the pair's court appearances.

A rally with journalists and activists is due to take place in downtown Yangon on Wednesday afternoon.

"We will face it (the verdict) with stability and courage," Wa Lone said after the sentence was handed down in September.

"The government can detain us in the prison but... Don't close the ears and eyes of the people," Kyaw Soe Oo said.

Their personal ordeal has also moved many who have followed the case. Both men are fathers and Wa Lone's wife Pan Ei Mon gave birth to their first child shortly before he was convicted.

One of the Time covers shared widely online features Pan Ei Mon and Kyaw Soe Oo's wife Chit Su Win holding photos of their imprisoned husbands.

The magazine jointly honoured a number of journalists -- including the slain columnist Jamal Khashoggi, Philippine journalist Maria Ressa and the workforce of the US newspaper Capital Gazette, five of whose staff were killed in a June shooting -- "for taking great risks in pursuit of greater truths".

The reporters' trial was widely regarded as a sham -- and punishment for reporting on the September 2017 massacre in Inn Din village led by Myanmar security forces.

One whistleblowing police officer told the court his superior ordered a sting to entrap the reporters -- testimony the judge chose to ignore.

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi remained defiant when pressed on the case, insisting that due process was followed.

Her reaction further tarnished her image as a democracy icon overseas after she refused to speak up for the Rohingya during the crackdown.

More than 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled over the border into refugee camps in Bangladesh, bringing with them horrific reports of widespread murder, torture, rape and arson.

UN investigators have called for top generals to be prosecuted for genocide and accused Suu Kyi and her government of complicity. 
Myanmar rejects almost all allegations, saying it was defending itself against Rohingya militants.

But a court did convict soldiers accused of carrying out the Inn Din massacre to 10 years each.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Messages of solidarity poured in Wednesday from around the world on the one-year anniversary of the arrest of two Myanmar Reuters journalists who exposed a massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state.

Messages of solidarity poured in Wednesday from around the world on the one-year anniversary of the arrest of two Myanmar Reuters journalists who exposed a massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state. Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were arrested in Yangon on December 12 and handed seven-year jail sentences under a state secrets law as they probed the extrajudicial killing of 10 Rohingya men during the military's brutal crackdown on the stateless minority last year. The guilty verdict sparked global condemnation, including from US Vice President Mike Pence, and Reuters hired prominent rights attorney Amal Clooney to assist with the case. The reporters were also honoured alongside other persecuted or slain journalists in Time magazine's Person of the Year issue this week as concerns grow for deteriorating press freedoms in Myanmar and elsewhere in the world. Despite a tenacious advocacy campaign the two men remain behind bars, with an appeal set for later this month. "The fact that they remain in prison for a crime they did not commit calls into question Myanmar's commitment to democracy, freedom of expression and rule of law," Reuters editor-in-chief Stephen J. Adler said in a statement on the anniversary of the arrest. Social media platforms have filled with images of supporters making the "thumbs up" gesture that became a hallmark of the pair's court appearances. A rally with journalists and activists is due to take place in downtown Yangon on Wednesday afternoon. "We will face it (the verdict) with stability and courage," Wa Lone said after the sentence was handed down in September. "The government can detain us in the prison but... Don't close the ears and eyes of the people," Kyaw Soe Oo said. Their personal ordeal has also moved many who have followed the case. Both men are fathers and Wa Lone's wife Pan Ei Mon gave birth to their first child shortly before he was convicted. One of the Time covers shared widely online features Pan Ei Mon and Kyaw Soe Oo's wife Chit Su Win holding photos of their imprisoned husbands. The magazine jointly honoured a number of journalists -- including the slain columnist Jamal Khashoggi, Philippine journalist Maria Ressa and the workforce of the US newspaper Capital Gazette, five of whose staff were killed in a June shooting -- "for taking great risks in pursuit of greater truths". The reporters' trial was widely regarded as a sham -- and punishment for reporting on the September 2017 massacre in Inn Din village led by Myanmar security forces. One whistleblowing police officer told the court his superior ordered a sting to entrap the reporters -- testimony the judge chose to ignore. Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi remained defiant when pressed on the case, insisting that due process was followed. Her reaction further tarnished her image as a democracy icon overseas after she refused to speak up for the Rohingya during the crackdown. More than 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled over the border into refugee camps in Bangladesh, bringing with them horrific reports of widespread murder, torture, rape and arson. UN investigators have called for top generals to be prosecuted for genocide and accused Suu Kyi and her government of complicity. Myanmar rejects almost all allegations, saying it was defending itself against Rohingya militants. But a court did convict soldiers accused of carrying out the Inn Din massacre to 10 years each.

'Thumbs up' pics for Myanmar Reuters reporters as they mark year in jail

Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen J Adler called upon Myanmar to release two Reuters journalists on the anniversary of their arrests on.

"A year ago, Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were arrested in a setup by police intended to interfere with the reporting on a massacre in Myanmar. The fact that they remain in prison for a crime they did not commit calls into question Myanmar's commitment to democracy, freedom of expression, and rule of law,'' Adler said.

''Everyday they continue to be behind bars is a missed opportunity for Myanmar to stand up for justice. The people of Myanmar deserve the freedoms and democracy they have long been promised, and Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo deserve to be returned to their families and colleagues immediately," he added.

Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were found guilty in September last year after a trial at a Yangon district court in a landmark case that has raised questions about Myanmar's progress towards democracy and sparked an outcry from diplomats and human rights advocates.

Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen J Adler called upon Myanmar to release two Reuters journalists on the anniversary of their arrests on. "A year ago, Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were arrested in a setup by police intended to interfere with the reporting on a massacre in Myanmar.

Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen J Adler called upon Myanmar to release two Reuters journalists on the anniversary of their arrests on. "A year ago, Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were arrested in a setup by police intended to interfere with the reporting on a massacre in Myanmar. The fact that they remain in prison for a crime they did not commit calls into question Myanmar's commitment to democracy, freedom of expression, and rule of law,'' Adler said. ''Everyday they continue to be behind bars is a missed opportunity for Myanmar to stand up for justice. The people of Myanmar deserve the freedoms and democracy they have long been promised, and Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo deserve to be returned to their families and colleagues immediately," he added. Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were found guilty in September last year after a trial at a Yangon district court in a landmark case that has raised questions about Myanmar's progress towards democracy and sparked an outcry from diplomats and human rights advocates.

Reuters editor-in-chief calls for journalists' release on year anniversary of arrests

Patriotic internet users in Myanmar have rushed to defend Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, whose tweets following a visit to the "beautiful" country <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-ceo-jack-dorsey-slammed-after-he-tweets-about-everything-in-myanmar-but-rohingya-crisis-182891">drew global scorn for failing to mention the persecution of Rohingya Muslims</a>.

Dorsey posted a series of gushing tweets on Sunday following a 10-day silent meditation retreat at a monastery near Mandalay, praising the country's food, people and natural beauty.&nbsp;

But he did not mention the plight of the persecuted Rohingya, 720,000 of whom have fled a military crackdown in the last few years that has been called a genocide by UN investigators.&nbsp;

Twitter lit up with outrage as Dorsey found himself pilloried on his own platform for being "tone-deaf" and "clueless" in his tweets. &nbsp; &nbsp;

But in Myanmar -- where the plight of the Rohingya does not draw much sympathy -- internet users leapt to the defence of the Silicon Valley billionaire.&nbsp;

"Many western people say they love democracy but they don't respect someone's inner peace," Aung Aung posted on Facebook, which is far more popular in Myanmar than Twitter.&nbsp;

"We want to explain about ourselves to the world but we can't," another user Wunna posted.

"Now the CEO of Twitter has explained it... we feel proud," he added.&nbsp;

Tourism is a crucial source of income in the former military-ruled nation and has seen steadily rising numbers of visitors since the country started opening up in 2011, peaking at a total of 3.4 million last year.

Industry insiders say the increasing number of regional tourists is helping to compensate for the major drop in western visitors since the Rohingya crisis, but revenues are down.&nbsp;

Some experts have warned against boycotting the country, which was sealed off for decades by the former junta to all but the hardiest of travellers.&nbsp;

Visitors staying away for ethical reasons could always donate their money instead, Vicky Bowman from the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business pointed out.&nbsp;

"I hope they will put their holiday budget towards humanitarian relief for refugees in Bangladesh and northern Myanmar," she told AFP.&nbsp;

Dorsey has yet to respond to the criticism.

It is not the first foot-in-mouth moment for the travelling tech mogul.&nbsp;

While on a trip to India in November, Dorsey was accused of inciting hatred against the highest caste after he was photographed holding a poster declaring "smash Brahminical patriarchy".&nbsp;

Patriotic internet users in Myanmar have rushed to defend Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, whose tweets following a visit to the "beautiful" country drew global scorn for failing to mention the persecution of Rohingya Muslims.

Patriotic internet users in Myanmar have rushed to defend Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, whose tweets following a visit to the "beautiful" country drew global scorn for failing to mention the persecution of Rohingya Muslims. Dorsey posted a series of gushing tweets on Sunday following a 10-day silent meditation retreat at a monastery near Mandalay, praising the country's food, people and natural beauty. But he did not mention the plight of the persecuted Rohingya, 720,000 of whom have fled a military crackdown in the last few years that has been called a genocide by UN investigators. Twitter lit up with outrage as Dorsey found himself pilloried on his own platform for being "tone-deaf" and "clueless" in his tweets. But in Myanmar -- where the plight of the Rohingya does not draw much sympathy -- internet users leapt to the defence of the Silicon Valley billionaire. "Many western people say they love democracy but they don't respect someone's inner peace," Aung Aung posted on Facebook, which is far more popular in Myanmar than Twitter. "We want to explain about ourselves to the world but we can't," another user Wunna posted. "Now the CEO of Twitter has explained it... we feel proud," he added. Tourism is a crucial source of income in the former military-ruled nation and has seen steadily rising numbers of visitors since the country started opening up in 2011, peaking at a total of 3.4 million last year. Industry insiders say the increasing number of regional tourists is helping to compensate for the major drop in western visitors since the Rohingya crisis, but revenues are down. Some experts have warned against boycotting the country, which was sealed off for decades by the former junta to all but the hardiest of travellers. Visitors staying away for ethical reasons could always donate their money instead, Vicky Bowman from the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business pointed out. "I hope they will put their holiday budget towards humanitarian relief for refugees in Bangladesh and northern Myanmar," she told AFP. Dorsey has yet to respond to the criticism. It is not the first foot-in-mouth moment for the travelling tech mogul. While on a trip to India in November, Dorsey was accused of inciting hatred against the highest caste after he was photographed holding a poster declaring "smash Brahminical patriarchy".

Myanmar defends Twitter CEO blasted for 'tone deaf' tweets

Acknowledging that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-seizes-heroin-haul-worth-47m-police-182923">Myanmar</a> is going through a "challenging time", India on Tuesday pledged full support to its national peace process and the country's quest for better connectivity during President Ram Nath Kovind's wide-ranging talks with his counterpart U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Kovind, who arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit, received a military guard of honour at the Presidential Palace.

He held wide-ranging discussions with his counterpart.

"President Kovind led delegation-level talks with President U Win Myint of Myanmar. The President said that India attaches special priority to its relations with Myanmar. Myanmar is a key partner for India's 'Act East' and 'Neighbourhood First' policies," the president's office tweeted.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of two MoU/Programme of Cooperation between two countries in the area of judicial training and science and technology.

India also handed over 50 housing units to Myanmar.&nbsp;

India is building 250 houses in Myanmar's Rakhine province as part of a developmental project. The first batch of 50 houses was formally handed over to the Myanmar authorities on Tuesday.

India signed a development programme for Rakhine State in Myanmar late last year which was designed to assist the Myanmar government in Rakhine State to build housing infrastructure for return of displaced persons.

More than 700,000 minority Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state since August 2017 after a military crackdown.

Kovind also held talks with Myanmar's State Counsellor Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

"President Kovind met Myanmar's State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and appreciated her role in the modern history of Myanmar and assured India's commitment to common prosperity and better connectivity," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The two leaders discussed various bilateral and multilateral issues.

"The President said that India deeply appreciates the reforms underway in Myanmar. We understand that this is a particularly challenging time for Myanmar. India is in full support of the objectives of the National Peace Process," the president's office said.

"Coinciding with President Kovind's visit, and to further people-to-people relations, Myanmar has also announced a visa-on-arrival facility for Indian tourists entering the country through the international airports of Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon and Mandalay," it said.

The President said that residents of India's Northeast region have particularly welcomed and are beginning to reap the benefits of the Land-border Crossing Agreement concluded recently.&nbsp;

The landmark Land Border Crossing Agreement between India and Myanmar signed on May 11, 2018, has been brought into effect in August with the simultaneous opening of international entry-exit checkpoints at the Tamu-Moreh and the Rihkhawdar-Zowkhawtar border between the two nations.

"They look forward to the early conclusion of the Motor Vehicles Agreement," Kovind said.

President Kovind's Myanmar visit comes amid China's foray into the southeast Asian country with which it has signed a mega port deal.

China last month clinched the multi-billion-dollar deal to build a port at a strategic Kyaukpyu town along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Myanmar, its third project in India's neighbourhood after Sri Lanka and Pakistan.&nbsp;

The president will visit the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education and the Rice Bio-park, both of which have been funded with Indian assistance on December 12, Gokhale said.

Kovind and the First Lady will travel to Yangoon and lay wreath at the Martyrs Mausoleum, where Gen Aung San, father of Aung San Suu Kyi rests, on the same day. They will also visit the Shwedagon Pagoda. 
The president will also interact with the surviving veterans of the Indian National Army (INA).

On December 13, the president will visit the Shri Kali Temple and also the 'mazhar' (shrine) of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor who was exiled to Myanmar and died in Yangoon.

Acknowledging that Myanmar is going through a "challenging time", India on Tuesday pledged full support to its national peace process and the country's quest for better connectivity during President Ram Nath Kovind's wide-ranging talks with his counterpart U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Acknowledging that Myanmar is going through a "challenging time", India on Tuesday pledged full support to its national peace process and the country's quest for better connectivity during President Ram Nath Kovind's wide-ranging talks with his counterpart U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Kovind, who arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit, received a military guard of honour at the Presidential Palace. He held wide-ranging discussions with his counterpart. "President Kovind led delegation-level talks with President U Win Myint of Myanmar. The President said that India attaches special priority to its relations with Myanmar. Myanmar is a key partner for India's 'Act East' and 'Neighbourhood First' policies," the president's office tweeted. The two leaders witnessed the signing of two MoU/Programme of Cooperation between two countries in the area of judicial training and science and technology. India also handed over 50 housing units to Myanmar. India is building 250 houses in Myanmar's Rakhine province as part of a developmental project. The first batch of 50 houses was formally handed over to the Myanmar authorities on Tuesday. India signed a development programme for Rakhine State in Myanmar late last year which was designed to assist the Myanmar government in Rakhine State to build housing infrastructure for return of displaced persons. More than 700,000 minority Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state since August 2017 after a military crackdown. Kovind also held talks with Myanmar's State Counsellor Suu Kyi. "President Kovind met Myanmar's State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and appreciated her role in the modern history of Myanmar and assured India's commitment to common prosperity and better connectivity," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. The two leaders discussed various bilateral and multilateral issues. "The President said that India deeply appreciates the reforms underway in Myanmar. We understand that this is a particularly challenging time for Myanmar. India is in full support of the objectives of the National Peace Process," the president's office said. "Coinciding with President Kovind's visit, and to further people-to-people relations, Myanmar has also announced a visa-on-arrival facility for Indian tourists entering the country through the international airports of Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon and Mandalay," it said. The President said that residents of India's Northeast region have particularly welcomed and are beginning to reap the benefits of the Land-border Crossing Agreement concluded recently. The landmark Land Border Crossing Agreement between India and Myanmar signed on May 11, 2018, has been brought into effect in August with the simultaneous opening of international entry-exit checkpoints at the Tamu-Moreh and the Rihkhawdar-Zowkhawtar border between the two nations. "They look forward to the early conclusion of the Motor Vehicles Agreement," Kovind said. President Kovind's Myanmar visit comes amid China's foray into the southeast Asian country with which it has signed a mega port deal. China last month clinched the multi-billion-dollar deal to build a port at a strategic Kyaukpyu town along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Myanmar, its third project in India's neighbourhood after Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The president will visit the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education and the Rice Bio-park, both of which have been funded with Indian assistance on December 12, Gokhale said. Kovind and the First Lady will travel to Yangoon and lay wreath at the Martyrs Mausoleum, where Gen Aung San, father of Aung San Suu Kyi rests, on the same day. They will also visit the Shwedagon Pagoda. The president will also interact with the surviving veterans of the Indian National Army (INA). On December 13, the president will visit the Shri Kali Temple and also the 'mazhar' (shrine) of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor who was exiled to Myanmar and died in Yangoon.

Myanmar going through challenging time, ready to support its peace process: India

Twitter CEO <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/happy-to-see-the-passion-with-which-youre-leading-pm-modi-meets-twitter-ceo-jack-dorsey-177171">Jack Dorsey</a> has been in Myanmar, where he has meditated — tracked on his Apple watch whether that made him calmer and therefore sleep better — met monks and nuns, and of course tweeted about virtually everything under the Myanmar sun.&nbsp;

That is everything but the Rohingya exodus.&nbsp;

More than 7000,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar since August 2017 following a crackdown on them by the Myanmar army and security forces. The Rohingya live in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine. They are Muslim unlike the country's Buddhist majority which considers them to be "Bengali" (Bangladeshi).&nbsp;

Most of the Rohingya have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh.&nbsp;

"Myanmar is an absolutely beautiful country. The people are full of joy and the food is amazing. I visited the cities of Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan. We visited and meditated at many monasteries around the country," Dorsey tweeted.&nbsp;

"The highlight of my trip was serving monks and nuns food, and donating sandals and umbrellas. This group of young nuns in Mandalay and their chanting was breathtaking and chilling," he added.&nbsp;

Dorsey went on to talk about being bitten my mosquitoes, and the link between his meditating, his heart rate, and his sleeping.&nbsp;

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Myanmar is an absolutely beautiful country. The people are full of joy and the food is amazing. I visited the cities of Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan. We visited and meditated at many monasteries around the country. <a href="https://t.co/wMp3cmkfwi">pic.twitter.com/wMp3cmkfwi</a>
— jack (@jack) <a href="https://twitter.com/jack/status/1071575147293769728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The highlight of my trip was serving monks and nuns food, and donating sandals and umbrellas. This group of young nuns in Mandalay and their chanting was breathtaking and chilling. <a href="https://t.co/E2nHFOsHu2">pic.twitter.com/E2nHFOsHu2</a>
— jack (@jack) <a href="https://twitter.com/jack/status/1071575398901661696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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We also meditated in a cave in Mandalay one evening. In the first 10 minutes I got bit 117 times by mosquitoes 🦟 They left me alone when the light blew a fuse, which you can see in my heart rate lowering. <a href="https://t.co/rz59Wx9yHF">pic.twitter.com/rz59Wx9yHF</a>
— jack (@jack) <a href="https://twitter.com/jack/status/1071575413804064768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I also wore my Apple Watch and Oura ring, both in airplane mode. My best meditations always had the least variation in heart rate. When I wasn’t focused, it would jump around a lot. Here’s a night of sleep on the 10th night (my resting heart rate was consistently below 40). <a href="https://t.co/9fiz8s8DR5">pic.twitter.com/9fiz8s8DR5</a>
— jack (@jack) <a href="https://twitter.com/jack/status/1071575424931512320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He was met with a barrage of criticism.&nbsp;

"I'm no expert on meditation, but is it supposed to make you so self-obsessed that you forget to mention you're in a country where the military has committed mass killings &amp; mass rape, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee, in one of today's biggest humanitarian disasters?," the European media director of Human Rights Watch Andrew Stroehlein tweeted.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rohingya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rohingya</a> are literally being exterminated by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Myanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Myanmar</a> authorities, social media are helping amplifying the genocide and meanwhile, Jack Dorsey proudly tweets about the amazing silent retreat he did in Myanmar on his birthday. It speaks volume (pun intended). <a href="https://t.co/FXm0gP79h6">https://t.co/FXm0gP79h6</a>
— Rim-Sarah Alouane (@RimSarah) <a href="https://twitter.com/RimSarah/status/1071655951772602368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/jack?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jack</a> is recommending Myanmar as a hip cool tourist destination at the same time as hundreds of thousands of members of the Rohingya Muslim minority have been forced to flee the country (to Bangaldesh &amp; elsewhere) due to persecution, violence, rape, murder, &amp; attempted genocide. <a href="https://t.co/MSLujiJTYW">https://t.co/MSLujiJTYW</a>
— Jerry Dunleavy (@JerryDunleavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryDunleavy/status/1071856813082066944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This guy. Jack Dorsey went to enjoy a meditation trip in Myanmar . No wonder Twitter has only 250 million people. <a href="https://t.co/qPqDZpkOzw">pic.twitter.com/qPqDZpkOzw</a>
— Gharib Tommy (@gharib_tommy) <a href="https://twitter.com/gharib_tommy/status/1071761444767715328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Twitter spokeswoman Kate Hayes said in an email she had no comment on the criticism.

In a special report in August, Reuters described how hate speech proliferated on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook at the peak of the military crackdown.

In August 2017, hundreds of new Twitter accounts suddenly sprang up in Myanmar.

Many of the tweets on these accounts appeared to be attempts to counter sympathetic portrayals of the Rohingya by the Western news media and human rights activists.

Reuters reported that these and similar tweets could still be found online nearly a year after the crackdown. Twitter's "hateful conduct policy" forbids attacking groups of people on the basis of race, ethnicity or national origin, or engaging in "behaviour that incites fear about a protected group".

Reuters added that Twitter removed a number of tweets the news agency flagged to it in the run up to the publication of the report.&nbsp;

Dorsey had last month run into trouble in India after he was pictured holding up a placard saying "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-says-sorry-as-ceos-photo-in-india-with-placard-sparks-anger-178384">Smash Brahminical </a>P<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-says-sorry-as-ceos-photo-in-india-with-placard-sparks-anger-178384">artriarchy</a>".&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has been in Myanmar, where he has meditated — tracked on his Apple watch whether that made him calmer and therefore sleep better — met monks and nuns, and of course tweeted about virtually everything under the Myanmar sun.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has been in Myanmar, where he has meditated — tracked on his Apple watch whether that made him calmer and therefore sleep better — met monks and nuns, and of course tweeted about virtually everything under the Myanmar sun. That is everything but the Rohingya exodus. More than 7000,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar since August 2017 following a crackdown on them by the Myanmar army and security forces. The Rohingya live in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine. They are Muslim unlike the country's Buddhist majority which considers them to be "Bengali" (Bangladeshi). Most of the Rohingya have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh. "Myanmar is an absolutely beautiful country. The people are full of joy and the food is amazing. I visited the cities of Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan. We visited and meditated at many monasteries around the country," Dorsey tweeted. "The highlight of my trip was serving monks and nuns food, and donating sandals and umbrellas. This group of young nuns in Mandalay and their chanting was breathtaking and chilling," he added. Dorsey went on to talk about being bitten my mosquitoes, and the link between his meditating, his heart rate, and his sleeping. Myanmar is an absolutely beautiful country. The people are full of joy and the food is amazing. I visited the cities of Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan. We visited and meditated at many monasteries around the country. pic.twitter.com/wMp3cmkfwi — jack (@jack) December 9, 2018 × The highlight of my trip was serving monks and nuns food, and donating sandals and umbrellas. This group of young nuns in Mandalay and their chanting was breathtaking and chilling. pic.twitter.com/E2nHFOsHu2 — jack (@jack) December 9, 2018 × We also meditated in a cave in Mandalay one evening. In the first 10 minutes I got bit 117 times by mosquitoes 🦟 They left me alone when the light blew a fuse, which you can see in my heart rate lowering. pic.twitter.com/rz59Wx9yHF — jack (@jack) December 9, 2018 × I also wore my Apple Watch and Oura ring, both in airplane mode. My best meditations always had the least variation in heart rate. When I wasn’t focused, it would jump around a lot. Here’s a night of sleep on the 10th night (my resting heart rate was consistently below 40). pic.twitter.com/9fiz8s8DR5 — jack (@jack) December 9, 2018 × He was met with a barrage of criticism. "I'm no expert on meditation, but is it supposed to make you so self-obsessed that you forget to mention you're in a country where the military has committed mass killings & mass rape, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee, in one of today's biggest humanitarian disasters?," the European media director of Human Rights Watch Andrew Stroehlein tweeted. #Rohingya are literally being exterminated by #Myanmar authorities, social media are helping amplifying the genocide and meanwhile, Jack Dorsey proudly tweets about the amazing silent retreat he did in Myanmar on his birthday. It speaks volume (pun intended). https://t.co/FXm0gP79h6 — Rim-Sarah Alouane (@RimSarah) December 9, 2018 × .@Jack is recommending Myanmar as a hip cool tourist destination at the same time as hundreds of thousands of members of the Rohingya Muslim minority have been forced to flee the country (to Bangaldesh & elsewhere) due to persecution, violence, rape, murder, & attempted genocide. https://t.co/MSLujiJTYW — Jerry Dunleavy (@JerryDunleavy) December 9, 2018 × This guy. Jack Dorsey went to enjoy a meditation trip in Myanmar . No wonder Twitter has only 250 million people. pic.twitter.com/qPqDZpkOzw — Gharib Tommy (@gharib_tommy) December 9, 2018 × Twitter spokeswoman Kate Hayes said in an email she had no comment on the criticism. In a special report in August, Reuters described how hate speech proliferated on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook at the peak of the military crackdown. In August 2017, hundreds of new Twitter accounts suddenly sprang up in Myanmar. Many of the tweets on these accounts appeared to be attempts to counter sympathetic portrayals of the Rohingya by the Western news media and human rights activists. Reuters reported that these and similar tweets could still be found online nearly a year after the crackdown. Twitter's "hateful conduct policy" forbids attacking groups of people on the basis of race, ethnicity or national origin, or engaging in "behaviour that incites fear about a protected group". Reuters added that Twitter removed a number of tweets the news agency flagged to it in the run up to the publication of the report. Dorsey had last month run into trouble in India after he was pictured holding up a placard saying "Smash Brahminical Partriarchy". (With inputs from Reuters)

Twitter CEO slammed after he tweets about everything in Myanmar but Rohingya crisis

President Ram Nath Kovind will be on a three-day visit to Myanmar from 11th to 13th December. This will be the first visit to Myanmar by an Indian President in 12 years. The last visit was in the year 2006.

This is President Kovind’s eighth state visit and seventh and final visit of the year 2018. This is also his first visit to a country with which India shares a land border.&nbsp;

Putting the visit in perspective Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "Myanmar is a close neighbour. It is also, by virtue of being an ASEAN country, the only one to which we are linked by land and sea. Therefore, it serves us as a link to South East Asia and for these reasons it is a country to which India attaches importance from the strategic perspective, from an economic perspective and from the cultural perspective given our cultural linkages and diaspora present in Myanmar."

During the visit, the President and the first lady will be hosted by the President of Myanmar. During his trip, the President Kovind will visit Shwedagon Pagoda, Shri Kali Temple and the Mazaar of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. The President will also meet veterans of the Indian National Army and the surviving members of the INA.

Giving more details of the visit, Press Secretary to the President, Ashok Malik said, "It is the second visit after the Vietnam visit. President Kovind will be engaging with the Government and Leadership of Myanmar on a wide variety of issues ranging from connectivity to investment, people to people ties and agriculture."

The President will be accompanied by a three-member political delegation comprising Rajan Gohil, Minister of State for Railways; Ramprasad Sharma, Lok Sabha member from Tezpur, Assam, and K Bhavnanda Singh who is a Rajya Sabha member from Manipur. The delegation comprises parliamentarians from North East states and according to the press secretary is a "recognition of the fact that the development of the North East is interlinked with the development of Myanmar."

The visit comes even as the Rohingya issue continues to dominate the region's discourse. Hoping that Myanmar Bangladesh will soon implement the Rohingya repatriation agreement, Foreign Secretary said, "The government of India has noted that governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar have recently reached a bilateral understanding and, as the only country that neighbours both Bangladesh and Myanmar, we believe it is in our interest and in the interest of the region that this bilateral understanding is implemented as soon as possible and that the displaced persons return to their homeland as soon as possible."

Late last year, India signed the Rakhine State Development Program with Myanmar. The program is designed to assist the Government of Myanmar in Rakhine state to build housing infrastructure for the return of displaced persons. 250 units were planned for the first phase and by virtual means, the President of India will be handing over the first 50 units to the Myanmar side.&nbsp;

India won't join Chinese post at Kyaukphyu

Connectivity will be a major focus area. Remember, India is building a trilateral highway, which will eventually connect India to Thailand through Myanmar, and Kaladan Multimodal Project that will connect Kolkatta with Sittwe port in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. India is now in the process of floating tenders to appoint a permanent port operator from Myanmar for the port. Efforts are also underway to connect Sittwe port by road to the Myanmar-Mizoram border.

Replying to whether India will be keen to link Kaladan project with Chinese port being built at Kyaukphyu, the Foreign Secretary said, "there is no plan to connect Kyaukphyu port to any of our projects as of now."

Last month, it was announced that China will be developing the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port in Myanmar. The port is near Sittwe port and the development comes even as China develops ports in other South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

President Ram Nath Kovind will be on a three-day visit to Myanmar from 11th to 13th December. This will be the first visit to Myanmar by an Indian President in 12 years.

President Ram Nath Kovind will be on a three-day visit to Myanmar from 11th to 13th December. This will be the first visit to Myanmar by an Indian President in 12 years. The last visit was in the year 2006. This is President Kovind’s eighth state visit and seventh and final visit of the year 2018. This is also his first visit to a country with which India shares a land border. Putting the visit in perspective Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "Myanmar is a close neighbour. It is also, by virtue of being an ASEAN country, the only one to which we are linked by land and sea. Therefore, it serves us as a link to South East Asia and for these reasons it is a country to which India attaches importance from the strategic perspective, from an economic perspective and from the cultural perspective given our cultural linkages and diaspora present in Myanmar." During the visit, the President and the first lady will be hosted by the President of Myanmar. During his trip, the President Kovind will visit Shwedagon Pagoda, Shri Kali Temple and the Mazaar of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. The President will also meet veterans of the Indian National Army and the surviving members of the INA. Giving more details of the visit, Press Secretary to the President, Ashok Malik said, "It is the second visit after the Vietnam visit. President Kovind will be engaging with the Government and Leadership of Myanmar on a wide variety of issues ranging from connectivity to investment, people to people ties and agriculture." The President will be accompanied by a three-member political delegation comprising Rajan Gohil, Minister of State for Railways; Ramprasad Sharma, Lok Sabha member from Tezpur, Assam, and K Bhavnanda Singh who is a Rajya Sabha member from Manipur. The delegation comprises parliamentarians from North East states and according to the press secretary is a "recognition of the fact that the development of the North East is interlinked with the development of Myanmar." The visit comes even as the Rohingya issue continues to dominate the region's discourse. Hoping that Myanmar Bangladesh will soon implement the Rohingya repatriation agreement, Foreign Secretary said, "The government of India has noted that governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar have recently reached a bilateral understanding and, as the only country that neighbours both Bangladesh and Myanmar, we believe it is in our interest and in the interest of the region that this bilateral understanding is implemented as soon as possible and that the displaced persons return to their homeland as soon as possible." Late last year, India signed the Rakhine State Development Program with Myanmar. The program is designed to assist the Government of Myanmar in Rakhine state to build housing infrastructure for the return of displaced persons. 250 units were planned for the first phase and by virtual means, the President of India will be handing over the first 50 units to the Myanmar side. India won't join Chinese post at Kyaukphyu Connectivity will be a major focus area. Remember, India is building a trilateral highway, which will eventually connect India to Thailand through Myanmar, and Kaladan Multimodal Project that will connect Kolkatta with Sittwe port in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. India is now in the process of floating tenders to appoint a permanent port operator from Myanmar for the port. Efforts are also underway to connect Sittwe port by road to the Myanmar-Mizoram border. Replying to whether India will be keen to link Kaladan project with Chinese port being built at Kyaukphyu, the Foreign Secretary said, "there is no plan to connect Kyaukphyu port to any of our projects as of now." Last month, it was announced that China will be developing the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port in Myanmar. The port is near Sittwe port and the development comes even as China develops ports in other South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

India hopes Myanmar, Bangladesh implement Rohingya repatriation agreement: Foreign Secretary

A Myanmar court jailed three activists on Friday for defaming the military during anti-war protests, amid growing concern about a clamp-down on civil society.

A judge in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state, found two men and one woman guilty of defamation, sentencing them to six months in prison and a fine of $320 each.

Lum Zawng, Nang Pu, and Zau Jat took part in demonstrations in war-torn Kachin in April, when an army offensive against ethnic minority guerrillas prompted more than 6,000 people to flee their homes.

"They used the word 'military'&nbsp;in their speech," said Doi Bu, a lawyer for one of the defendants, referring to speeches they made at the protest.

"'The military doesn’t allow people to leave the conflict zone'," he said, giving examples of what they had said.

"'The military blocks people from the conflict zone`, and `the military is threatening people'."

The three had denied wrongdoing.

The fighting between government troops and one of the country’s biggest insurgent groups, the Kachin Independence Army, stranded hundreds of villagers in the conflict zone and sparked anti-war protests in Myitkyina.

After more than two weeks, government leader Aung San Suu Kyi sent her minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement, Win Myat Aye, to the area and in May some 150 trapped villagers were allowed passage to safety.

The European Union and Swedish embassies in Yangon condemned Friday’s verdict, urging the authorities to review the decision.&nbsp;

The EU said the judgement was "worrying news for civil society in Myanmar".

"Protests for peace and for saving people trapped by violent conflict should not be criminalized," the EU said in a statement.

The international rights group Amnesty International said the jailing of the three was "appalling".

Their sentences reflected a pattern of attacks, intimidation, threats and prosecutions against human rights defenders, journalists and community leaders who speak out in defence of civilian victims of military operations, it said.

"It sends a chilling warning," the group said in a statement.

The government denies any pattern of rights abuses saying cases are handled according to the law.

According to the Myanmar free-speech organization Athan, which means ‘Voice’ in Burmese, 44 journalists and 142 activists have faced trial since 2016 when Nobel laureate Suu Kyi came to power at the head of a civilian government after 50 years of military rule.

Activists say her government has failed to use its overwhelming parliamentary majority to scrap colonial-era laws used to stifle dissent while tightening restrictions on activist groups.

&nbsp;

A Myanmar court jailed three activists on Friday for defaming the military during anti-war protests, amid growing concern about a clamp-down on civil society. A judge in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state, found two men and one woman guilty of defamation, sentencing them to six months in prison and a fine of $320 each.

A Myanmar court jailed three activists on Friday for defaming the military during anti-war protests, amid growing concern about a clamp-down on civil society. A judge in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state, found two men and one woman guilty of defamation, sentencing them to six months in prison and a fine of $320 each. Lum Zawng, Nang Pu, and Zau Jat took part in demonstrations in war-torn Kachin in April, when an army offensive against ethnic minority guerrillas prompted more than 6,000 people to flee their homes. "They used the word 'military' in their speech," said Doi Bu, a lawyer for one of the defendants, referring to speeches they made at the protest. "'The military doesn’t allow people to leave the conflict zone'," he said, giving examples of what they had said. "'The military blocks people from the conflict zone`, and `the military is threatening people'." The three had denied wrongdoing. The fighting between government troops and one of the country’s biggest insurgent groups, the Kachin Independence Army, stranded hundreds of villagers in the conflict zone and sparked anti-war protests in Myitkyina. After more than two weeks, government leader Aung San Suu Kyi sent her minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement, Win Myat Aye, to the area and in May some 150 trapped villagers were allowed passage to safety. The European Union and Swedish embassies in Yangon condemned Friday’s verdict, urging the authorities to review the decision. The EU said the judgement was "worrying news for civil society in Myanmar". "Protests for peace and for saving people trapped by violent conflict should not be criminalized," the EU said in a statement. The international rights group Amnesty International said the jailing of the three was "appalling". Their sentences reflected a pattern of attacks, intimidation, threats and prosecutions against human rights defenders, journalists and community leaders who speak out in defence of civilian victims of military operations, it said. "It sends a chilling warning," the group said in a statement. The government denies any pattern of rights abuses saying cases are handled according to the law. According to the Myanmar free-speech organization Athan, which means ‘Voice’ in Burmese, 44 journalists and 142 activists have faced trial since 2016 when Nobel laureate Suu Kyi came to power at the head of a civilian government after 50 years of military rule. Activists say her government has failed to use its overwhelming parliamentary majority to scrap colonial-era laws used to stifle dissent while tightening restrictions on activist groups.

Myanmar court jails anti-war protesters for defaming military

Fleeing Rohingya Muslims sold ration books to help pay hundreds of dollars to traffickers in order to flee squalid Myanmar camps by boat, only to be stopped at sea and forced back destitute, the refugees told AFP on Friday.

Images of hungry and thirsty refugees huddled on boats have stirred memories of a 2015 crisis, when thousands of fleeing Rohingya were stuck at sea as a trafficking trail south collapsed.

Some 120,000 of the stateless Muslim minority have languished in camps in central Rakhine for six years since a bloody bout of intercommunal violence with ethnic Rakhine Buddhists.

The end of the monsoon brings more favourable, if still treacherous, sailing conditions for those desperate to escape the camps that are branded as "open-air prisons" by rights groups and where the refugees have little access to work, education or healthcare.

One Rohingya boat this week made it to Aceh on the northern tip of the Indonesian island of Sumatra but several others have been picked up in Myanmar waters and those on board sent back to the camps.

Journalists are not allowed to enter the camps except on brief government-chaperoned tours, but one young Rohingya in Thechaung camp told AFP by phone how he had sold his food ration book to help pay the 600,000 kyat ($385) fee to traffickers.

He had hoped to reach Malaysia, but after 15 days at sea his boat was seized south of Yangon and authorities sent him and his fellow detainees back to the camps.

"I need to get my ration book back," he said.&nbsp;

"I can only earn 1000 kyat per day on a fishing boat, which isn't enough to eat."

AFP has withheld his identity to protect him.

UN refugee agency spokeswoman Aoife McDonnell said many of the Rohingya had sold or lost all their possessions, including their shelters, to pay people smugglers.

They are in "acute need of support" now they are back in the camps, she said.

'No future here'

A leader in nearby Dapaing camp confirmed that some escapees had paid up to $700 for their places on the flimsy fishing boats, often in the hope of reaching Malaysia or Indonesia.

So far five boatloads are known to have set off from central Rakhine, including the group of 20 men who made it to Aceh.

The four other boats were picked up in Myanmar waters between November 16 and 29 and carried between them a further 356 people, who have since been sent back to the camps.

There have also been rumours of sightings of several other vessels.

But fears that the number could escalate to 2015 levels are for now overstated, said Chris Lewa from the Arakan Project.

The circumstances are "completely different" now, she said, pointing out that the boats are much smaller and the Bangladeshi authorities have also managed to prevent any mass departures from the camps there.

Rakhine State police chief Colonel Kyi Linn told AFP that six traffickers so far have been detained.

"These places are big and we can't control everywhere," he added.

The young Rohingya from Thechaung camp told AFP he was already thinking about how to escape again.&nbsp;

"What is my future here?" he asked. "If I get another chance to go to Malaysia, I will take it."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Fleeing Rohingya Muslims sold ration books to help pay hundreds of dollars to traffickers in order to flee squalid Myanmar camps by boat, only to be stopped at sea and forced back destitute, the refugees told AFP on Friday.

Fleeing Rohingya Muslims sold ration books to help pay hundreds of dollars to traffickers in order to flee squalid Myanmar camps by boat, only to be stopped at sea and forced back destitute, the refugees told AFP on Friday. Images of hungry and thirsty refugees huddled on boats have stirred memories of a 2015 crisis, when thousands of fleeing Rohingya were stuck at sea as a trafficking trail south collapsed. Some 120,000 of the stateless Muslim minority have languished in camps in central Rakhine for six years since a bloody bout of intercommunal violence with ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. The end of the monsoon brings more favourable, if still treacherous, sailing conditions for those desperate to escape the camps that are branded as "open-air prisons" by rights groups and where the refugees have little access to work, education or healthcare. One Rohingya boat this week made it to Aceh on the northern tip of the Indonesian island of Sumatra but several others have been picked up in Myanmar waters and those on board sent back to the camps. Journalists are not allowed to enter the camps except on brief government-chaperoned tours, but one young Rohingya in Thechaung camp told AFP by phone how he had sold his food ration book to help pay the 600,000 kyat ($385) fee to traffickers. He had hoped to reach Malaysia, but after 15 days at sea his boat was seized south of Yangon and authorities sent him and his fellow detainees back to the camps. "I need to get my ration book back," he said. "I can only earn 1000 kyat per day on a fishing boat, which isn't enough to eat." AFP has withheld his identity to protect him. UN refugee agency spokeswoman Aoife McDonnell said many of the Rohingya had sold or lost all their possessions, including their shelters, to pay people smugglers. They are in "acute need of support" now they are back in the camps, she said. 'No future here' A leader in nearby Dapaing camp confirmed that some escapees had paid up to $700 for their places on the flimsy fishing boats, often in the hope of reaching Malaysia or Indonesia. So far five boatloads are known to have set off from central Rakhine, including the group of 20 men who made it to Aceh. The four other boats were picked up in Myanmar waters between November 16 and 29 and carried between them a further 356 people, who have since been sent back to the camps. There have also been rumours of sightings of several other vessels. But fears that the number could escalate to 2015 levels are for now overstated, said Chris Lewa from the Arakan Project. The circumstances are "completely different" now, she said, pointing out that the boats are much smaller and the Bangladeshi authorities have also managed to prevent any mass departures from the camps there. Rakhine State police chief Colonel Kyi Linn told AFP that six traffickers so far have been detained. "These places are big and we can't control everywhere," he added. The young Rohingya from Thechaung camp told AFP he was already thinking about how to escape again. "What is my future here?" he asked. "If I get another chance to go to Malaysia, I will take it."

Rohingya sent back to Myanmar camps hungry and in debt

Thousands of vulnerable women and girls from northern Myanmar are being trafficked to China and forced to marry, a study said Friday, offering a rare look at an issue that grips the conflict-hit borderlands.

China has around 33 million fewer women than men due to the decades-long one-child policy.

To plug the gap, tens of thousands of poor women from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam are sold as brides each year, some going willingly, while others are tricked or trafficked.

In the first research of its kind, a report by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimated 7,500 women from war-torn Kachin and northern Shan states have fallen victim to forced marriage in China.

Based on interviews with scores of people who escaped and returned to Myanmar, and others still inside China, the study found that the majority of those trafficked were also forced to carry a child for their husband.

Women leave Myanmar because of "conflict, displacement and poverty" said report author W. Courtland Robinson, while "the male-female sex imbalance in China, especially in rural areas" means demand for a wife is high.

One woman told researchers that she was trafficked into China three times, and each time "pushed into giving birth", said Moon Nay Li of Kachin Women's Association Thailand, who led the field research in Kachin and Shan states.

"Because of political instability, conflict and land confiscation... security for women is a big challenge," she said.

Marriages are often arranged and brokered by the women's own families and village elders, with brides-to-be unable to refuse as they are at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

The youngest women command higher prices of up to $10,000-15,000.

Their matches in China are typically to older, sick, or disabled men in rural areas -- people considered undesirable to the Han Chinese -- while the women's lack of documentation plunges them into a legal limbo.

The study found that women were often "hired" to bear children for their husbands and then forced out or sold on to new husbands to recoup money.

Some women have successful marriages and the issue of consent is complex and varies case-by-case, Robinson said.

But all unions should be entered into without "threat, menace or penalty", he added. &nbsp;

Often daughters "can't say no to their parents", said Moon Nay Li, and feel compelled to go ahead with the marriage once "traffickers and agents have given money to their parents".

Researchers called for Myanmar to end the conflict in Kachin and Shan states, which has displaced tens of thousands of women, and to train anti-trafficking officials to enforce the law and recognise the women as victims.

Thousands of vulnerable women and girls from northern Myanmar are being trafficked to China and forced to marry, a study said Friday, offering a rare look at an issue that grips the conflict-hit borderlands.

Thousands of vulnerable women and girls from northern Myanmar are being trafficked to China and forced to marry, a study said Friday, offering a rare look at an issue that grips the conflict-hit borderlands. China has around 33 million fewer women than men due to the decades-long one-child policy. To plug the gap, tens of thousands of poor women from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam are sold as brides each year, some going willingly, while others are tricked or trafficked. In the first research of its kind, a report by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimated 7,500 women from war-torn Kachin and northern Shan states have fallen victim to forced marriage in China. Based on interviews with scores of people who escaped and returned to Myanmar, and others still inside China, the study found that the majority of those trafficked were also forced to carry a child for their husband. Women leave Myanmar because of "conflict, displacement and poverty" said report author W. Courtland Robinson, while "the male-female sex imbalance in China, especially in rural areas" means demand for a wife is high. One woman told researchers that she was trafficked into China three times, and each time "pushed into giving birth", said Moon Nay Li of Kachin Women's Association Thailand, who led the field research in Kachin and Shan states. "Because of political instability, conflict and land confiscation... security for women is a big challenge," she said. Marriages are often arranged and brokered by the women's own families and village elders, with brides-to-be unable to refuse as they are at the bottom of the social hierarchy. The youngest women command higher prices of up to $10,000-15,000. Their matches in China are typically to older, sick, or disabled men in rural areas -- people considered undesirable to the Han Chinese -- while the women's lack of documentation plunges them into a legal limbo. The study found that women were often "hired" to bear children for their husbands and then forced out or sold on to new husbands to recoup money. Some women have successful marriages and the issue of consent is complex and varies case-by-case, Robinson said. But all unions should be entered into without "threat, menace or penalty", he added. Often daughters "can't say no to their parents", said Moon Nay Li, and feel compelled to go ahead with the marriage once "traffickers and agents have given money to their parents". Researchers called for Myanmar to end the conflict in Kachin and Shan states, which has displaced tens of thousands of women, and to train anti-trafficking officials to enforce the law and recognise the women as victims.

Thousands of Myanmar women forced into marriage in China: Study

As the world was focused on abortive efforts to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-religion-minister-says-rohingya-brainwashed-to-march-on-the-country-181457">Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh</a> to Myanmar last month, hundreds of their fellow Muslims still in Myanmar were boarding boats seeking to escape the country.

Their attempted flight cast the spotlight back on 128,000 Rohingya and other displaced Muslims still living in crowded camps in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine, six years after Buddhist mobs razed most of their homes.

The government of Aung San Suu Kyi, under international pressure to address their plight, says it is now closing the camps on the grounds that doing so will help develop and put the labour of camp residents to good use.

But Reuters interviews with more than a dozen residents from five camps and internal United Nations documents show the move simply means building new, more permanent homes next to the camps - rather than allowing them to return to the areas from which they fled - leaving their situation little changed.

Those that have moved into the new accommodation remain under the same severe movement restrictions as before, residents and staff working in the camps say. A network of official checkpoints and threats of violence by local Buddhists prevent Muslims from moving freely in Rakhine. As a result, those sources say, they are cut off from sources of livelihoods and most services, and reliant on humanitarian handouts.

"Yes, we moved to new houses – it's correct to say (the camp is closed)," said Kyaw Aye, a community leader from a camp called Nidin, in central Rakhine. "But we'll never be able to stand on our own feet because we can't go anywhere."

Reuters spoke to displaced Muslims in Rakhine by phone as reporters are denied independent access to the camps.

Myanmar's Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Win Myat Aye said the government was working with the United Nations on a national strategy to close camps housing people forced out of their homes by violence in Rakhine and elsewhere, known as internally displaced persons or IDPs.

There were no legal restrictions on the movements of displaced people in Rakhine, as long as they accepted a so-called national verification card that also gives them equal access to healthcare and education, he said in a written response to Reuters' questions.

Aid workers and Muslim residents say severe restrictions persist even on those who have accepted the identity card, which most Rohingya reject because they say it treats them as foreigners who have to prove their nationality.

The UN chief in Myanmar, Knut Ostby, warned in a September 24 private note that the government's plan for camp closures "risks further entrenching segregation while denying IDPs many of their fundamental human rights".

Ostby's office declined to comment on the note, but in a written response to Reuters' questions said the UN had been invited to comment on the government's plans for closing camps and was preparing its response.

That response would include recommendations that all displaced people be granted freedom of movement, were involved in planning their resettlement and could return to their homes or another place of their choosing, Ostby said.

MARITIME ESCAPE

Rohingya community leaders say that improving conditions for those still living in Rakhine is one of the keys to persuading the hundreds of thousands sheltering in refugee camps in Bangladesh to return.

Some 730,000 fled a military crackdown after attacks by Rohingya militants in August 2017. UN-mandated investigators have said the Myanmar military unleashed a campaign of killings, rape and arson with "genocidal intent". Myanmar has denied almost all the accusations against its troops, who it says engaged in legitimate operations against terrorists.

Refugees baulked at a plan for repatriating them that was supposed to begin in mid-November, arguing that conditions were not right for the return.

Meanwhile, at least three boats, each carrying scores of men, women and children, have departed from Rakhine for Malaysia since monsoon rains abated in October, following the hazardous maritime escape route used for years by Rohingya fleeing what they say is persecution in Myanmar.

"If they are making the choice to go by boat, it's clear proof of the conditions in the IDP camps," said Khin Maung, a Rohingya youth activist in Bangladesh.

He is in touch with fellow Muslims who are "living like prisoners" in the camps in central Rakhine, Khin Maung said. "If they are living like that how can we agree to go back?"

Win Myat Aye, the minister, said Myanmar was working to improve the lives of both the IDPs and potential returnees.

"I assume that the displaced people are leaving with boats because they (have) not fully understood what we arranged for their accommodations, livelihoods and socio-economic development," he said.

"INVESTING IN SEGREGATION"

One camp, among the 18 remaining in Rakhine, lies outside a central Rakhine town of Myebon, which was torn by communal violence in 2012.

The 3,000-strong Muslim community was expelled and put in the camp, known as Taungpaw, on a narrow strip between the now Buddhist-only town and the Bay of Bengal, in what was supposed to be a temporary arrangement.

This year authorities built 200 new houses on rice paddies next to the camp, despite concerns that the area was prone to flooding. They were inundated in early June. In September, the government also built two new buildings set to become Muslim-only schoolhouses.

"This is a sign the Rakhine state government is investing in permanent segregation rather than promoting integration," said a previously unpublished memo dated September 30 and circulated by UN officials setting out the concerns of aid workers operating in the camps. The UN said it did not comment on leaked documents.

Some Muslims in Myebon have Myanmar citizenship and others have accepted national verification cards. They say they still cannot visit the town, where communal tensions have stayed high since the 2012 violence. Rakhine Buddhists have at times blocked aid deliveries to the camp.

"Although they gave people new homes, if there's still no freedom to move, there's still no opportunity to do business," said camp resident Cho Cho, 49.

Aung Thar Kyaw, a leader among the Rakhine Buddhist community in Myebon, said the two communities were too different to live together, labelling Muslims "so aggressive".

"The government already built them new homes so they don't need to enter town," he said.

Lei Lei Aye, an official in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, referred questions about the specific concerns in Taungpaw to Rakhine state government officials, who could not be reached for comment.

"POLICY OF APARTHEID"

Despite the humanitarian community's efforts to convince Myanmar to change course, including by giving technical advice on camp closures, "the only scenario that is unfolding before our eyes is the implementation of a policy of apartheid with the permanent segregation of all Muslims, the vast majority of whom are stateless Rohingya, in central Rakhine," said an internal "discussion note" prepared by the UN's refugee agency in late September, first reported by Frontier Myanmar magazine and reviewed by Reuters.

Win Myat Aye said he was "not concerned" about such warnings because the government was progressing with its camp closure strategy in consultation with UN agencies, non-governmental groups and foreign diplomats.

The UN estimates humanitarian assistance in Rakhine will cost about $145 million next year.

Former residents of Nidin, about 100 km (62 miles) north of Taungpaw, told Reuters their situation had barely improved since state media declared the camp closed in August.

They are unable to return to Kyauktaw, the town where many lived and worked before the 2012 violence.

Tun Wai, a Rakhine Buddhist doctor in Kyauktaw, said Muslims could "go freely outside the town". But if they try to return, he said, "they will be killed".

Soe Lwin, deputy chief of the Kyauktaw police station, said Muslims "can't enter the town", but denied they would meet with violence. "We have the rule of law," he said.

The Muslims now live marooned among rice paddies that do not belong to them. Rohingya fishermen say what they catch barely covers their rental costs as they do not own their equipment.

And with no clean water supply, children have contracted skin rashes from washing in agricultural run-off.

"We can't even support our children because we don't have income," said former camp resident Khin Hla, 43. "Without aid, we would starve."

As the world was focused on abortive efforts to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar last month, hundreds of their fellow Muslims still in Myanmar were boarding boats seeking to escape the country.

As the world was focused on abortive efforts to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar last month, hundreds of their fellow Muslims still in Myanmar were boarding boats seeking to escape the country. Their attempted flight cast the spotlight back on 128,000 Rohingya and other displaced Muslims still living in crowded camps in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine, six years after Buddhist mobs razed most of their homes. The government of Aung San Suu Kyi, under international pressure to address their plight, says it is now closing the camps on the grounds that doing so will help develop and put the labour of camp residents to good use. But Reuters interviews with more than a dozen residents from five camps and internal United Nations documents show the move simply means building new, more permanent homes next to the camps - rather than allowing them to return to the areas from which they fled - leaving their situation little changed. Those that have moved into the new accommodation remain under the same severe movement restrictions as before, residents and staff working in the camps say. A network of official checkpoints and threats of violence by local Buddhists prevent Muslims from moving freely in Rakhine. As a result, those sources say, they are cut off from sources of livelihoods and most services, and reliant on humanitarian handouts. "Yes, we moved to new houses – it's correct to say (the camp is closed)," said Kyaw Aye, a community leader from a camp called Nidin, in central Rakhine. "But we'll never be able to stand on our own feet because we can't go anywhere." Reuters spoke to displaced Muslims in Rakhine by phone as reporters are denied independent access to the camps. Myanmar's Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Win Myat Aye said the government was working with the United Nations on a national strategy to close camps housing people forced out of their homes by violence in Rakhine and elsewhere, known as internally displaced persons or IDPs. There were no legal restrictions on the movements of displaced people in Rakhine, as long as they accepted a so-called national verification card that also gives them equal access to healthcare and education, he said in a written response to Reuters' questions. Aid workers and Muslim residents say severe restrictions persist even on those who have accepted the identity card, which most Rohingya reject because they say it treats them as foreigners who have to prove their nationality. The UN chief in Myanmar, Knut Ostby, warned in a September 24 private note that the government's plan for camp closures "risks further entrenching segregation while denying IDPs many of their fundamental human rights". Ostby's office declined to comment on the note, but in a written response to Reuters' questions said the UN had been invited to comment on the government's plans for closing camps and was preparing its response. That response would include recommendations that all displaced people be granted freedom of movement, were involved in planning their resettlement and could return to their homes or another place of their choosing, Ostby said. MARITIME ESCAPE Rohingya community leaders say that improving conditions for those still living in Rakhine is one of the keys to persuading the hundreds of thousands sheltering in refugee camps in Bangladesh to return. Some 730,000 fled a military crackdown after attacks by Rohingya militants in August 2017. UN-mandated investigators have said the Myanmar military unleashed a campaign of killings, rape and arson with "genocidal intent". Myanmar has denied almost all the accusations against its troops, who it says engaged in legitimate operations against terrorists. Refugees baulked at a plan for repatriating them that was supposed to begin in mid-November, arguing that conditions were not right for the return. Meanwhile, at least three boats, each carrying scores of men, women and children, have departed from Rakhine for Malaysia since monsoon rains abated in October, following the hazardous maritime escape route used for years by Rohingya fleeing what they say is persecution in Myanmar. "If they are making the choice to go by boat, it's clear proof of the conditions in the IDP camps," said Khin Maung, a Rohingya youth activist in Bangladesh. He is in touch with fellow Muslims who are "living like prisoners" in the camps in central Rakhine, Khin Maung said. "If they are living like that how can we agree to go back?" Win Myat Aye, the minister, said Myanmar was working to improve the lives of both the IDPs and potential returnees. "I assume that the displaced people are leaving with boats because they (have) not fully understood what we arranged for their accommodations, livelihoods and socio-economic development," he said. "INVESTING IN SEGREGATION" One camp, among the 18 remaining in Rakhine, lies outside a central Rakhine town of Myebon, which was torn by communal violence in 2012. The 3,000-strong Muslim community was expelled and put in the camp, known as Taungpaw, on a narrow strip between the now Buddhist-only town and the Bay of Bengal, in what was supposed to be a temporary arrangement. This year authorities built 200 new houses on rice paddies next to the camp, despite concerns that the area was prone to flooding. They were inundated in early June. In September, the government also built two new buildings set to become Muslim-only schoolhouses. "This is a sign the Rakhine state government is investing in permanent segregation rather than promoting integration," said a previously unpublished memo dated September 30 and circulated by UN officials setting out the concerns of aid workers operating in the camps. The UN said it did not comment on leaked documents. Some Muslims in Myebon have Myanmar citizenship and others have accepted national verification cards. They say they still cannot visit the town, where communal tensions have stayed high since the 2012 violence. Rakhine Buddhists have at times blocked aid deliveries to the camp. "Although they gave people new homes, if there's still no freedom to move, there's still no opportunity to do business," said camp resident Cho Cho, 49. Aung Thar Kyaw, a leader among the Rakhine Buddhist community in Myebon, said the two communities were too different to live together, labelling Muslims "so aggressive". "The government already built them new homes so they don't need to enter town," he said. Lei Lei Aye, an official in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, referred questions about the specific concerns in Taungpaw to Rakhine state government officials, who could not be reached for comment. "POLICY OF APARTHEID" Despite the humanitarian community's efforts to convince Myanmar to change course, including by giving technical advice on camp closures, "the only scenario that is unfolding before our eyes is the implementation of a policy of apartheid with the permanent segregation of all Muslims, the vast majority of whom are stateless Rohingya, in central Rakhine," said an internal "discussion note" prepared by the UN's refugee agency in late September, first reported by Frontier Myanmar magazine and reviewed by Reuters. Win Myat Aye said he was "not concerned" about such warnings because the government was progressing with its camp closure strategy in consultation with UN agencies, non-governmental groups and foreign diplomats. The UN estimates humanitarian assistance in Rakhine will cost about $145 million next year. Former residents of Nidin, about 100 km (62 miles) north of Taungpaw, told Reuters their situation had barely improved since state media declared the camp closed in August. They are unable to return to Kyauktaw, the town where many lived and worked before the 2012 violence. Tun Wai, a Rakhine Buddhist doctor in Kyauktaw, said Muslims could "go freely outside the town". But if they try to return, he said, "they will be killed". Soe Lwin, deputy chief of the Kyauktaw police station, said Muslims "can't enter the town", but denied they would meet with violence. "We have the rule of law," he said. The Muslims now live marooned among rice paddies that do not belong to them. Rohingya fishermen say what they catch barely covers their rental costs as they do not own their equipment. And with no clean water supply, children have contracted skin rashes from washing in agricultural run-off. "We can't even support our children because we don't have income," said former camp resident Khin Hla, 43. "Without aid, we would starve."

Myanmar seeks UN help to devise strategy to close refugee camps

Myanmar youth activist and television host Thinzar Shun Lei Yi would once have called herself one of Aung San Suu Kyi`s greatest fans. Now, she is one of her most vocal critics.

The 27-year-old belongs to a small but high-profile group of liberal activists, many former die-hard Suu Kyi supporters, who are growing increasingly disillusioned with the administration they voted into power with sky-high hopes three years ago.

"I lost my idol, I`m confused, frustrated and lost," said Thinzar Shun Lei Yi, who hosts an `Under 30` talk show on a popular local website.

"Most of the activists and youths are now thinking: `What is next`, `What will happen?`, `What can we do?` At this stage, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is going her own way and nobody can intervene, and she won`t listen to civil society organisations," she said, using the honorific for women in Myanmar.

While Suu Kyi continues to inspire devotion among many ordinary Burmese, the emergence of a dissenting youth movement – driven by anger over her handling of ethnic minorities, including the Muslim Rohingya, as well as curbs on the media and civil society – presents a new challenge for her administration.

At stake is the future of Myanmar`s transition towards democracy after years of military rule. With a general election looming in 2020, the country`s first civilian government in decades is confronted by growing divisions among activists who once coalesced around her National League for Democracy party.

NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt said the party was trying to win over young people, increasing the budget for education and supporting vocational training programmes.

"The youth and the people expected a lot from our government," he said. "We couldn`t live up to their expectations, we admit. But we are doing our best." 
Suu Kyi took power in 2016 after a landslide election win, vowing to continue democratic reforms and end the country`s long-running civil wars.

Since then, the administration has come under pressure over its response to a military crackdown against the Rohingya minority that the United Nations has described as "ethnic cleansing" with "genocidal intent", as well as faltering peace talks with ethnic armed groups and a stagnating economy.

FREE SPEECH

Activists say the civilian government has also become increasingly authoritarian, failing to use its overwhelming parliamentary majority to scrap colonial-era laws used to stifle dissent, while tightening restrictions on civil society.&nbsp;

In recent months, they have staged several protests, including an anti-war march in the commercial capital of Yangon in May that ended in scuffles. A total of 17 people were charged with unlawful protest, including Thinzar Shun Lei Yi. Their trial is ongoing.

"Sensitive issues are banned, and protesters arrested and beaten," she said. "The National League of Democracy, the party using the name of democracy, must respect democracy and human rights."

According to free speech organisation Athan, which means `Voice` in Burmese, 44 journalists and 142 activists have faced trial since the Suu Kyi government took power.

The group`s founder, poet and activist Maung Saung Kha, is one of them. He was also among the protesters charged alongside Thinzar Shun Lei Yi in May. Four months later, in September, they both helped organise another demonstration, this time for free speech.&nbsp;

Facing the crowd, Maung Saung Kha – who is still an NLD member – donned the orange shirt traditionally worn by his party`s lawmakers and draped a green jacket resembling military garb over it. Armed with a copy of the state-run daily newspaper The Mirror, he began beating journalists gathered nearby.&nbsp;

"The government has failed to use its power to protect people`s rights," he told Reuters.&nbsp;

Myo Nyunt, the party spokesman, said the government was cooperating with non-governmental organisations, but their activities needed to be examined case-by-case.

"If it is not related to security or not a divisive issue among ethnics, we accept them," he said. "We are going forward to democracy so we acknowledge the role of NGOs, but we have concerns that NGOs are being influenced by sponsors instead of being independent."

"ACKNOWLEDGE ROHINGYA"

While she has no control over the military, Suu Kyi has faced international criticism for failing to defend the Rohingya, more than 730,000 of whom fled a sweeping army cracking in western Rakhine state in 2017, according to UN agencies. The crackdown was launched in response to insurgent Rohingya attacks on security forces.

Myanmar denies almost all the allegations of atrocities made by refugees, saying the army was carrying out a legitimate campaign against terrorists. 
While many among Myanmar`s Buddhist majority revile the Rohingya, the young activists offer a rare sympathetic voice.

"We acknowledge Rohingya. We totally denounce the fact that they are referred to as `Bengali`," said Maung Saung Kha, referring to a term commonly used in Myanmar to imply the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh, despite a long history in the country.

"We haven`t seen any acknowledgement or punishment for the things that happened," he said. "The refugees will not come back as long as these people think of them as less than humans, and that it is not a crime to kill them."

Khin Sandar, another young activist facing unlawful protest charges, spent months campaigning for the NLD ahead of the 2015 election but lost faith in Suu Kyi over her handling of the Rakhine crisis.&nbsp;

Her family was affected in a wave of communal violence in 2012, when not only Rohingya but members of the Kaman Muslim minority, who also face discrimination but unlike the Rohingya are considered Myanmar citizens, were driven from their homes. They live in crowded internal displacement camps outside the Rakhine state capital Sittwe and are subjected to severe restrictions on movement.

In a speech after last year`s violence, Suu Kyi said all residents of Rakhine "have access to education and healthcare services without discrimination". 
"My own nephew and nieces are still living in the Sittwe camps and they don`t have those rights," said Khin Sandar. "I was shocked. How can she say that in her speech?" Afterwards, she said, she quit her job as researcher for an NLD lawmaker.

While the youth activists represent only a small segment of Myanmar society they are increasingly influential in the grassroots activism scene, while their protests and public comments have attracted significant attention from media and from their vast social media followings.

Mostly in their 20s and 30s, they highlight the gulf between Myanmar`s young population – the median age is 27 – and its ageing leadership, comprised of mostly men in their 60s and 70s.

"Myanmar is a very conservative country, these young people, especially from Yangon, are now challenging that," said Myat Thu, a political analyst from the Yangon School of Political Science.

"In order to have a revolution of ideas, not many people need to know. They will spread it gradually."

Myanmar youth activist and television host Thinzar Shun Lei Yi would once have called herself one of Aung San Suu Kyi`s greatest fans. Now, she is one of her most vocal critics.

Myanmar youth activist and television host Thinzar Shun Lei Yi would once have called herself one of Aung San Suu Kyi`s greatest fans. Now, she is one of her most vocal critics. The 27-year-old belongs to a small but high-profile group of liberal activists, many former die-hard Suu Kyi supporters, who are growing increasingly disillusioned with the administration they voted into power with sky-high hopes three years ago. "I lost my idol, I`m confused, frustrated and lost," said Thinzar Shun Lei Yi, who hosts an `Under 30` talk show on a popular local website. "Most of the activists and youths are now thinking: `What is next`, `What will happen?`, `What can we do?` At this stage, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is going her own way and nobody can intervene, and she won`t listen to civil society organisations," she said, using the honorific for women in Myanmar. While Suu Kyi continues to inspire devotion among many ordinary Burmese, the emergence of a dissenting youth movement – driven by anger over her handling of ethnic minorities, including the Muslim Rohingya, as well as curbs on the media and civil society – presents a new challenge for her administration. At stake is the future of Myanmar`s transition towards democracy after years of military rule. With a general election looming in 2020, the country`s first civilian government in decades is confronted by growing divisions among activists who once coalesced around her National League for Democracy party. NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt said the party was trying to win over young people, increasing the budget for education and supporting vocational training programmes. "The youth and the people expected a lot from our government," he said. "We couldn`t live up to their expectations, we admit. But we are doing our best." Suu Kyi took power in 2016 after a landslide election win, vowing to continue democratic reforms and end the country`s long-running civil wars. Since then, the administration has come under pressure over its response to a military crackdown against the Rohingya minority that the United Nations has described as "ethnic cleansing" with "genocidal intent", as well as faltering peace talks with ethnic armed groups and a stagnating economy. FREE SPEECH Activists say the civilian government has also become increasingly authoritarian, failing to use its overwhelming parliamentary majority to scrap colonial-era laws used to stifle dissent, while tightening restrictions on civil society. In recent months, they have staged several protests, including an anti-war march in the commercial capital of Yangon in May that ended in scuffles. A total of 17 people were charged with unlawful protest, including Thinzar Shun Lei Yi. Their trial is ongoing. "Sensitive issues are banned, and protesters arrested and beaten," she said. "The National League of Democracy, the party using the name of democracy, must respect democracy and human rights." According to free speech organisation Athan, which means `Voice` in Burmese, 44 journalists and 142 activists have faced trial since the Suu Kyi government took power. The group`s founder, poet and activist Maung Saung Kha, is one of them. He was also among the protesters charged alongside Thinzar Shun Lei Yi in May. Four months later, in September, they both helped organise another demonstration, this time for free speech. Facing the crowd, Maung Saung Kha – who is still an NLD member – donned the orange shirt traditionally worn by his party`s lawmakers and draped a green jacket resembling military garb over it. Armed with a copy of the state-run daily newspaper The Mirror, he began beating journalists gathered nearby. "The government has failed to use its power to protect people`s rights," he told Reuters. Myo Nyunt, the party spokesman, said the government was cooperating with non-governmental organisations, but their activities needed to be examined case-by-case. "If it is not related to security or not a divisive issue among ethnics, we accept them," he said. "We are going forward to democracy so we acknowledge the role of NGOs, but we have concerns that NGOs are being influenced by sponsors instead of being independent." "ACKNOWLEDGE ROHINGYA" While she has no control over the military, Suu Kyi has faced international criticism for failing to defend the Rohingya, more than 730,000 of whom fled a sweeping army cracking in western Rakhine state in 2017, according to UN agencies. The crackdown was launched in response to insurgent Rohingya attacks on security forces. Myanmar denies almost all the allegations of atrocities made by refugees, saying the army was carrying out a legitimate campaign against terrorists. While many among Myanmar`s Buddhist majority revile the Rohingya, the young activists offer a rare sympathetic voice. "We acknowledge Rohingya. We totally denounce the fact that they are referred to as `Bengali`," said Maung Saung Kha, referring to a term commonly used in Myanmar to imply the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh, despite a long history in the country. "We haven`t seen any acknowledgement or punishment for the things that happened," he said. "The refugees will not come back as long as these people think of them as less than humans, and that it is not a crime to kill them." Khin Sandar, another young activist facing unlawful protest charges, spent months campaigning for the NLD ahead of the 2015 election but lost faith in Suu Kyi over her handling of the Rakhine crisis. Her family was affected in a wave of communal violence in 2012, when not only Rohingya but members of the Kaman Muslim minority, who also face discrimination but unlike the Rohingya are considered Myanmar citizens, were driven from their homes. They live in crowded internal displacement camps outside the Rakhine state capital Sittwe and are subjected to severe restrictions on movement. In a speech after last year`s violence, Suu Kyi said all residents of Rakhine "have access to education and healthcare services without discrimination". "My own nephew and nieces are still living in the Sittwe camps and they don`t have those rights," said Khin Sandar. "I was shocked. How can she say that in her speech?" Afterwards, she said, she quit her job as researcher for an NLD lawmaker. While the youth activists represent only a small segment of Myanmar society they are increasingly influential in the grassroots activism scene, while their protests and public comments have attracted significant attention from media and from their vast social media followings. Mostly in their 20s and 30s, they highlight the gulf between Myanmar`s young population – the median age is 27 – and its ageing leadership, comprised of mostly men in their 60s and 70s. "Myanmar is a very conservative country, these young people, especially from Yangon, are now challenging that," said Myat Thu, a political analyst from the Yangon School of Political Science. "In order to have a revolution of ideas, not many people need to know. They will spread it gradually."

Lost idol: New wave of Myanmar youth activists look beyond Suu Kyi

A human rights law group contracted by the State Department to interview refugees as part of an investigation into atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar has found that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that genocide was committed - even though the US government stopped short of saying so.

A report due to be released on Monday by the Washington-based Public International Law and Policy Group (PILPG) will also say there was a reasonable basis to conclude that the Myanmar military committed crimes against humanity and war crimes, as well as genocide.

A US State Department report released in September, which relied on PILPG research, found that Myanmar's military waged a "well-planned and coordinated" campaign of mass killings, gang rapes and other atrocities against the Rohingya.

But it stopped short of describing the crackdown as genocide or crimes against humanity, an issue that US officials said was the subject of fierce internal debate that delayed the report's rollout for nearly a month.

A declaration of genocide by the US government, which has only gone as far as labeling the crackdown "ethnic cleansing," could have legal implications of committing Washington to stronger punitive measures against Myanmar. This has made some in the Trump administration wary of issuing such an assessment.

In an advisory on Thursday announcing the planned release of the legal analysis of its investigation, PILPG said it would reveal that "there is a reasonable basis to conclude that war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide were committed against the Rohingya population."

PILPG based its report on more than 1,000 interviews with Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh. The group said its mission was conducted in March and April "to provide an accurate accounting of the patterns of abuse and atrocity crimes."

The September State Department report was released in low-key fashion nearly a month after UN investigators issued a report accusing Myanmar’s military of acting with "genocidal intent" and calling for the country’s commander-in-chief and five generals to be prosecuted under international law.

State Department officials have said the objective of the US government investigation was not to determine genocide but to "document the facts," and it would be up to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to make a "legal" designation in the future.

Pompeo has urged Myanmar's government to investigate abuses against the Rohingya and hold accountable members of its security forces and others who were responsible.

A top State Department official said in September those responsible could be held accountable for genocide and crimes against humanity.

The military in Myanmar, previously known as Burma, where Buddhism is the main religion, has denied accusations of ethnic cleansing and says its actions were part of a fight against terrorism.

A human rights law group contracted by the State Department to interview refugees as part of an investigation into atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar has found that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that genocide was committed - even though the US government stopped short of saying so.

A human rights law group contracted by the State Department to interview refugees as part of an investigation into atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar has found that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that genocide was committed - even though the US government stopped short of saying so. A report due to be released on Monday by the Washington-based Public International Law and Policy Group (PILPG) will also say there was a reasonable basis to conclude that the Myanmar military committed crimes against humanity and war crimes, as well as genocide. A US State Department report released in September, which relied on PILPG research, found that Myanmar's military waged a "well-planned and coordinated" campaign of mass killings, gang rapes and other atrocities against the Rohingya. But it stopped short of describing the crackdown as genocide or crimes against humanity, an issue that US officials said was the subject of fierce internal debate that delayed the report's rollout for nearly a month. A declaration of genocide by the US government, which has only gone as far as labeling the crackdown "ethnic cleansing," could have legal implications of committing Washington to stronger punitive measures against Myanmar. This has made some in the Trump administration wary of issuing such an assessment. In an advisory on Thursday announcing the planned release of the legal analysis of its investigation, PILPG said it would reveal that "there is a reasonable basis to conclude that war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide were committed against the Rohingya population." PILPG based its report on more than 1,000 interviews with Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh. The group said its mission was conducted in March and April "to provide an accurate accounting of the patterns of abuse and atrocity crimes." The September State Department report was released in low-key fashion nearly a month after UN investigators issued a report accusing Myanmar’s military of acting with "genocidal intent" and calling for the country’s commander-in-chief and five generals to be prosecuted under international law. State Department officials have said the objective of the US government investigation was not to determine genocide but to "document the facts," and it would be up to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to make a "legal" designation in the future. Pompeo has urged Myanmar's government to investigate abuses against the Rohingya and hold accountable members of its security forces and others who were responsible. A top State Department official said in September those responsible could be held accountable for genocide and crimes against humanity. The military in Myanmar, previously known as Burma, where Buddhism is the main religion, has denied accusations of ethnic cleansing and says its actions were part of a fight against terrorism.

Law group that helped US probe says Rohingyas victims of genocide

Paris city will strip Aung San <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-dont-need-their-prize-myanmar-defiant-as-amnesty-pulls-suu-kyi-award-177056">Suu Kyi of her honorary freedom </a>of the French capital over her failure to speak out against a crackdown on Myanmar's Rohingya minority, a mayor's spokeswoman said Friday.

Mayor Anne Hidalgo decided to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/canada-legislators-symbolic-move-vote-strip-myanmars-suu-kyi-citizenship-168059">revoke the honour because </a>of the "multiple violations of human rights recorded in Myanmar and the violence and persecution by Myanmar's security forces against the Rohingya minority," the spokeswoman told AFP.

The move, which follows similar decisions by Glasgow, Edinburgh and Oxford, would make Myanmar's de facto leader the first person to lose the freedom of the French capital, a purely symbolic award.

The move will be finalised by the city council at a meeting in mid-December, the spokeswoman said.

Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi, once feted as a democracy icon in the mould of Nelson Mandela for leading opposition to Myanmar's military junta, has fallen out of favour in the West over her inaction in the face of the crackdown on the mostly Muslim Rohingya.

More than 700,000 Rohingya fled violence in the Buddhist-majority country last year, mostly to neighbouring Bangladesh.

A UN rights team found evidence of widespread murder, rape, torture and arson and called for top generals to be prosecuted for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Hidalgo's office said the mayor wrote to Suu Kyi late last year to "express her concern and call for respect for the rights of the Rohingya minority", but that the letter went unanswered.

Suu Kyi's supporters argue that she has no powers to rein in the army.

She has already been stripped of her honorary Canadian citizenship and her Amnesty International's "Ambassador of Conscience Award".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Paris city will strip Aung San Suu Kyi of her honorary freedom of the French capital over her failure to speak out against a crackdown on Myanmar's Rohingya minority, a mayor's spokeswoman said Friday.

Paris city will strip Aung San Suu Kyi of her honorary freedom of the French capital over her failure to speak out against a crackdown on Myanmar's Rohingya minority, a mayor's spokeswoman said Friday. Mayor Anne Hidalgo decided to revoke the honour because of the "multiple violations of human rights recorded in Myanmar and the violence and persecution by Myanmar's security forces against the Rohingya minority," the spokeswoman told AFP. The move, which follows similar decisions by Glasgow, Edinburgh and Oxford, would make Myanmar's de facto leader the first person to lose the freedom of the French capital, a purely symbolic award. The move will be finalised by the city council at a meeting in mid-December, the spokeswoman said. Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi, once feted as a democracy icon in the mould of Nelson Mandela for leading opposition to Myanmar's military junta, has fallen out of favour in the West over her inaction in the face of the crackdown on the mostly Muslim Rohingya. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled violence in the Buddhist-majority country last year, mostly to neighbouring Bangladesh. A UN rights team found evidence of widespread murder, rape, torture and arson and called for top generals to be prosecuted for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Hidalgo's office said the mayor wrote to Suu Kyi late last year to "express her concern and call for respect for the rights of the Rohingya minority", but that the letter went unanswered. Suu Kyi's supporters argue that she has no powers to rein in the army. She has already been stripped of her honorary Canadian citizenship and her Amnesty International's "Ambassador of Conscience Award".

Suu Kyi to be stripped of freedom of French capital award: Paris mayor

Nearly 100 Rohingya Muslims were forced back to Myanmar's Rakhine state after being detained at sea en route to Malaysia, police said Wednesday, stirring fears of a fresh refugee boat crisis.

Three vessels carrying fleeing Rohingya have now been seized and returned to Rakhine over the past two weeks, as the monsoon season gives way to more favourable, if still treacherous, sailing conditions.

All on board the third boat were being returned to camps around the capital Sittwe in the central part of the state, where more than 120,000 people have been confined since intercommunal violence in 2012.

A photo in local media showed the group huddled on the deck in the baking sun, a scene reminiscent of the boat crisis in 2015 that saw countless Rohingya abandoned by smugglers in the Andaman Sea after authorities shut down trafficking routes.

They were headed for Malaysia when stopped by navy officers on Sunday night off the southern town of Dawei, Police Major Min Lwin told AFP.

"They were all sent back to Sittwe on a navy boat last night," he said, adding that the group, two thirds of whom were under the age of 18, would arrive on Thursday or Friday.

The plight of Rohingya Muslims languishing in the central part of the state has been overshadowed by last year's mass exodus of more than 720,000 Rohingya from northern Rakhine.

Those refugees fled over the border into Bangladesh to escape a brutal military crackdown.

UN investigators want Myanmar's top generals to be prosecuted for genocide over the crackdown, but Myanmar says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants.

Around 10 boats, carrying a total of several hundred people, have left the camps in central Rakhine since mid-October, said Arakan Project director Chris Lewa, whose group monitors abuses against the Rohingya.

"I'm worried about Bangladesh. The border guards say they won't let people leave but if people do then the numbers would be much bigger," she said. 
Desperation in the refugee camps across the border is also growing.

A repatriation deal has stalled, with Rohingya refusing to go home until their safety and rights are secured.

The stateless minority are denied citizenship in Myanmar and face severe restrictions on movement as well as a lack of access to work, healthcare and schools in what Amnesty International says amounts to apartheid.

One camp leader told AFP under the condition of anonymity that they try to explain to people about the dangers of leaving by boat but many are simply too desperate to listen.

"We are losing hope," he said. "Nothing has changed in the last six years."&nbsp;

Nearly 100 Rohingya Muslims were forced back to Myanmar's Rakhine state after being detained at sea en route to Malaysia, police said Wednesday, stirring fears of a fresh refugee boat crisis.

Nearly 100 Rohingya Muslims were forced back to Myanmar's Rakhine state after being detained at sea en route to Malaysia, police said Wednesday, stirring fears of a fresh refugee boat crisis. Three vessels carrying fleeing Rohingya have now been seized and returned to Rakhine over the past two weeks, as the monsoon season gives way to more favourable, if still treacherous, sailing conditions. All on board the third boat were being returned to camps around the capital Sittwe in the central part of the state, where more than 120,000 people have been confined since intercommunal violence in 2012. A photo in local media showed the group huddled on the deck in the baking sun, a scene reminiscent of the boat crisis in 2015 that saw countless Rohingya abandoned by smugglers in the Andaman Sea after authorities shut down trafficking routes. They were headed for Malaysia when stopped by navy officers on Sunday night off the southern town of Dawei, Police Major Min Lwin told AFP. "They were all sent back to Sittwe on a navy boat last night," he said, adding that the group, two thirds of whom were under the age of 18, would arrive on Thursday or Friday. The plight of Rohingya Muslims languishing in the central part of the state has been overshadowed by last year's mass exodus of more than 720,000 Rohingya from northern Rakhine. Those refugees fled over the border into Bangladesh to escape a brutal military crackdown. UN investigators want Myanmar's top generals to be prosecuted for genocide over the crackdown, but Myanmar says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants. Around 10 boats, carrying a total of several hundred people, have left the camps in central Rakhine since mid-October, said Arakan Project director Chris Lewa, whose group monitors abuses against the Rohingya. "I'm worried about Bangladesh. The border guards say they won't let people leave but if people do then the numbers would be much bigger," she said. Desperation in the refugee camps across the border is also growing. A repatriation deal has stalled, with Rohingya refusing to go home until their safety and rights are secured. The stateless minority are denied citizenship in Myanmar and face severe restrictions on movement as well as a lack of access to work, healthcare and schools in what Amnesty International says amounts to apartheid. One camp leader told AFP under the condition of anonymity that they try to explain to people about the dangers of leaving by boat but many are simply too desperate to listen. "We are losing hope," he said. "Nothing has changed in the last six years."

93 Rohingya fleeing by boat sent back to Myanmar camps: Police

Authorities in Myanmar have seized a boat carrying 93 people, apparently Rohingya Muslims, fleeing displacement camps in western Myanmar's Rakhine State and hoping to reach Malaysia, an official said on Tuesday.

The boat is believed to be the third bound for Malaysia stopped in Myanmar waters since monsoon rains began to subside last month, bringing calmer weather, raising fears of a fresh wave of hazardous voyages after a 2015 crackdown on people smugglers.

Moe Zaw Latt, director of the government office in Dawei, a coastal town in southern Myanmar, said fishermen had reported a "suspicious" boat to authorities.

The navy stopped the boat on Sunday and detained the 93 people, who said they had come from the Thae Chaung camp in the Rakhine State capital of Sittwe, he said.

Thae Chaung is about 900 km (560 miles) northwest of Dawei and holds internally displaced people, most of whom are stateless Rohingya.

"They said they ran away from the camp. They said they intended to go to Malaysia," said Moe Zaw Latt, adding authorities were preparing to send them back to Sittwe on Tuesday.

Photographs in media showed police standing by as passengers - many of them women in headscarves and children - huddled on the deck.

The boat resembled vessels the Rohingya typically use to escape the apartheid-like conditions in Rakhine State, where their movements and access to services are severely curtailed.

The UN&nbsp;refugee agency has said Myanmar must "address the root causes of displacement", including the lack of citizenship for the Rohingya, who consider themselves native to Rakhine State.

Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants from the Indian subcontinent and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps outside Sittwe since violence swept the area in 2012.

More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh last year fleeing an army crackdown in the north of Rakhine State, according to UN&nbsp;agencies.

UN-mandated investigators have accused the Myanmar army of "genocidal intent" and ethnic cleansing. Myanmar has denied most allegations of atrocities, blaming Rohingya insurgents who attacked police boats for sparking the exodus.

Myanmar officials say they are ready to accept Rohingya who want to return from Bangladeshi refugee camps. But refugees themselves and aid agencies oppose a repatriation plan that was due to begin on Nov. 15, saying conditions in Myanmar were not safe.

Myanmar detained 106 Rohingya men, women and children on a boat near the commercial hub of Yangon on Nov. 16, when their engine failed on their way from the Sittwe camps to Malaysia.

Those people have been returned to the camps, along with another group of more than 80 people whose boat was seized off the coast of southern Rakhine last week also bound for Malaysia, according to an aid worker in Sittwe monitoring the boat movements.

Authorities in Myanmar have seized a boat carrying 93 people, apparently Rohingya Muslims, fleeing displacement camps in western Myanmar's Rakhine State and hoping to reach Malaysia, an official said on Tuesday.

Authorities in Myanmar have seized a boat carrying 93 people, apparently Rohingya Muslims, fleeing displacement camps in western Myanmar's Rakhine State and hoping to reach Malaysia, an official said on Tuesday. The boat is believed to be the third bound for Malaysia stopped in Myanmar waters since monsoon rains began to subside last month, bringing calmer weather, raising fears of a fresh wave of hazardous voyages after a 2015 crackdown on people smugglers. Moe Zaw Latt, director of the government office in Dawei, a coastal town in southern Myanmar, said fishermen had reported a "suspicious" boat to authorities. The navy stopped the boat on Sunday and detained the 93 people, who said they had come from the Thae Chaung camp in the Rakhine State capital of Sittwe, he said. Thae Chaung is about 900 km (560 miles) northwest of Dawei and holds internally displaced people, most of whom are stateless Rohingya. "They said they ran away from the camp. They said they intended to go to Malaysia," said Moe Zaw Latt, adding authorities were preparing to send them back to Sittwe on Tuesday. Photographs in media showed police standing by as passengers - many of them women in headscarves and children - huddled on the deck. The boat resembled vessels the Rohingya typically use to escape the apartheid-like conditions in Rakhine State, where their movements and access to services are severely curtailed. The UN refugee agency has said Myanmar must "address the root causes of displacement", including the lack of citizenship for the Rohingya, who consider themselves native to Rakhine State. Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants from the Indian subcontinent and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps outside Sittwe since violence swept the area in 2012. More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh last year fleeing an army crackdown in the north of Rakhine State, according to UN agencies. UN-mandated investigators have accused the Myanmar army of "genocidal intent" and ethnic cleansing. Myanmar has denied most allegations of atrocities, blaming Rohingya insurgents who attacked police boats for sparking the exodus. Myanmar officials say they are ready to accept Rohingya who want to return from Bangladeshi refugee camps. But refugees themselves and aid agencies oppose a repatriation plan that was due to begin on Nov. 15, saying conditions in Myanmar were not safe. Myanmar detained 106 Rohingya men, women and children on a boat near the commercial hub of Yangon on Nov. 16, when their engine failed on their way from the Sittwe camps to Malaysia. Those people have been returned to the camps, along with another group of more than 80 people whose boat was seized off the coast of southern Rakhine last week also bound for Malaysia, according to an aid worker in Sittwe monitoring the boat movements.

Myanmar seizes boat carrying 93 fleeing Rohingya camps for Malaysia

Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in&nbsp;Bangladesh camps began a protest on Monday, demanding that Bangladesh recognise their ethnicity as Rohingya and that officials and aid agencies stop sharing their family information with Myanmar.

Markets were shut at several of the refugee camps in southeast Bangladesh because of the protest. Rohingya working with non-government groups and the UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Refugees also boycotted their jobs as part of the strike.

"The term 'Rohingya' is very important because we have been persecuted because of our identity," the protesting refugees said in a statement, adding that while the term was banned in Myanmar, it should not be banned in Bangladesh.

More than 700,000 Muslim Rohingya fled a sweeping army crackdown in mostly Buddhist Myanmar's Rakhine State last year, according to UN&nbsp;agencies. The crackdown was launched in response to Rohingya insurgent attacks on security forces.

Rohingya regard themselves as native to western Myanmar's Rakhine State but Myanmar authorities and many citizens regard them as illegal immigrants from the Indian subcontinent.

Many are stateless as a 1982 law restricts citizenship for the Rohingya and other minorities not considered members of one of Myanmar's "national races".

The Myanmar government refuses even to use the word "Rohingya", as that would imply a distinct identity, instead of calling them "Bengali".

Bangladesh has been urging the refugees to accept smart cards that help with identification and the distribution of aid. The smart cards, however, identify an individual as a "forcibly displaced Myanmar national" and not as Rohingya.

The protesters also expressed concern about a UNHCR plan to collect biometric data and copies of documents, as they fear the UNHCR and Bangladeshi authorities could share the data with Myanmar, which could use the information against them.

Bangladeshi authorities were not immediately reachable for comment.

Firas Al-Khateeb, a UNHCR representative, said data was being collected for a verification process which would help Rohingya refugees get better protection and ensure their access to services in Bangladesh.

"It is not linked to repatriation," he said, adding that the data was jointly maintained by Bangladesh and the UNHCR.

Refugees are refusing to return to Myanmar under a repatriation plan unless demands for justice, citizenship and the ability to go back to their original villages and lands are met.

The refugees say they had to flee from their homes after Myanmar soldiers and Buddhist civilians massacred families, burned villages and carried out gang rapes.

UN-mandated investigators have accused the Myanmar army of "genocidal intent" and ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar denies almost all the accusations, saying its forces engaged in a counter-insurgency operation against "terrorists".

Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in Bangladesh camps began a protest on Monday, demanding that Bangladesh recognise their ethnicity as Rohingya and that officials and aid agencies stop sharing their family information with Myanmar.

Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in Bangladesh camps began a protest on Monday, demanding that Bangladesh recognise their ethnicity as Rohingya and that officials and aid agencies stop sharing their family information with Myanmar. Markets were shut at several of the refugee camps in southeast Bangladesh because of the protest. Rohingya working with non-government groups and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees also boycotted their jobs as part of the strike. "The term 'Rohingya' is very important because we have been persecuted because of our identity," the protesting refugees said in a statement, adding that while the term was banned in Myanmar, it should not be banned in Bangladesh. More than 700,000 Muslim Rohingya fled a sweeping army crackdown in mostly Buddhist Myanmar's Rakhine State last year, according to UN agencies. The crackdown was launched in response to Rohingya insurgent attacks on security forces. Rohingya regard themselves as native to western Myanmar's Rakhine State but Myanmar authorities and many citizens regard them as illegal immigrants from the Indian subcontinent. Many are stateless as a 1982 law restricts citizenship for the Rohingya and other minorities not considered members of one of Myanmar's "national races". The Myanmar government refuses even to use the word "Rohingya", as that would imply a distinct identity, instead of calling them "Bengali". Bangladesh has been urging the refugees to accept smart cards that help with identification and the distribution of aid. The smart cards, however, identify an individual as a "forcibly displaced Myanmar national" and not as Rohingya. The protesters also expressed concern about a UNHCR plan to collect biometric data and copies of documents, as they fear the UNHCR and Bangladeshi authorities could share the data with Myanmar, which could use the information against them. Bangladeshi authorities were not immediately reachable for comment. Firas Al-Khateeb, a UNHCR representative, said data was being collected for a verification process which would help Rohingya refugees get better protection and ensure their access to services in Bangladesh. "It is not linked to repatriation," he said, adding that the data was jointly maintained by Bangladesh and the UNHCR. Refugees are refusing to return to Myanmar under a repatriation plan unless demands for justice, citizenship and the ability to go back to their original villages and lands are met. The refugees say they had to flee from their homes after Myanmar soldiers and Buddhist civilians massacred families, burned villages and carried out gang rapes. UN-mandated investigators have accused the Myanmar army of "genocidal intent" and ethnic cleansing. Myanmar denies almost all the accusations, saying its forces engaged in a counter-insurgency operation against "terrorists".

Bangladesh faces refugee anger over term 'Rohingya'

Protesters in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state demonstrated Sunday against the planned repatriation of Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh, referring to them as "runaway refugees".

About 100 people led by Buddhists monks marched through the state capital Sittwe holding red banners and chanting slogans.

"All the people of the nation are responsible to protect the security of the country," one monk said, according to a Facebook live streaming of the protest.&nbsp;

"There will be no benefits to us or our country if we accept the Bengalis," he added, using a derogatory term for the Rohingya that falsely implies they are newcomers from Bangladesh.

The demonstration comes 10 days after Bangladesh and Myanmar were supposed to officially start repatriating members of the Rohingya minority who had fled violent military operations in August 2017.

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh said Myanmar's armed forces raped women, murdered their relatives and burned down their houses in a bid to drive them out of the country for good after decades of persecution.

The deal to bring them back was struck a year ago but Rohingya in the camps fear returning without guarantees of citizenship, safety, and equal access to healthcare and education.

But they also are wary of hostility from the non-Muslim residents in Rakhine, many of whom are not eager for the Rohingya to return.

The Buddhist protesters in Sittwe on Sunday reflected that view, holding signs that included calls on authorities to "take action" against illegal immigrants and to not "allow resettling (of) the runaway refugees" in parts of northern Rakhine state.

UN investigators have called for Myanmar's top brass to be prosecuted on charges of genocide at the International Criminal Court or an ad hoc tribunal.

Myanmar denies almost all claims of atrocities and says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants.&nbsp;

Demonstrations against the Rohingya are not uncommon in Sittwe, where intercommunal violence broke out in 2012, killing hundreds and sending more than 120,000 Rohingya into internal displacement camps where most remain today.

Protesters in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state demonstrated Sunday against the planned repatriation of Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh, referring to them as "runaway refugees".

Protesters in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state demonstrated Sunday against the planned repatriation of Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh, referring to them as "runaway refugees". About 100 people led by Buddhists monks marched through the state capital Sittwe holding red banners and chanting slogans. "All the people of the nation are responsible to protect the security of the country," one monk said, according to a Facebook live streaming of the protest. "There will be no benefits to us or our country if we accept the Bengalis," he added, using a derogatory term for the Rohingya that falsely implies they are newcomers from Bangladesh. The demonstration comes 10 days after Bangladesh and Myanmar were supposed to officially start repatriating members of the Rohingya minority who had fled violent military operations in August 2017. Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh said Myanmar's armed forces raped women, murdered their relatives and burned down their houses in a bid to drive them out of the country for good after decades of persecution. The deal to bring them back was struck a year ago but Rohingya in the camps fear returning without guarantees of citizenship, safety, and equal access to healthcare and education. But they also are wary of hostility from the non-Muslim residents in Rakhine, many of whom are not eager for the Rohingya to return. The Buddhist protesters in Sittwe on Sunday reflected that view, holding signs that included calls on authorities to "take action" against illegal immigrants and to not "allow resettling (of) the runaway refugees" in parts of northern Rakhine state. UN investigators have called for Myanmar's top brass to be prosecuted on charges of genocide at the International Criminal Court or an ad hoc tribunal. Myanmar denies almost all claims of atrocities and says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants. Demonstrations against the Rohingya are not uncommon in Sittwe, where intercommunal violence broke out in 2012, killing hundreds and sending more than 120,000 Rohingya into internal displacement camps where most remain today.

Protest in Myanmar's Rakhine state opposes Rohingya return

Groups representing journalists and lawyers in Myanmar handed a letter to the country's president on Friday outlining their concerns over the jailing of two Reuters reporters convicted of breaking state secrets laws.

The letter, given to President Win Myint at the inauguration of the semi-official Myanmar Press Council (MPC), pointed out contradictions in the case against Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, who were sentenced to seven years in jail in September.

Their convictions have raised questions about Myanmar's progress towards democracy and sparked an outcry from human rights advocates.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi said in September that the case had nothing to do with freedom of expression. She has also urged people to read the judgment in the case and "point out where there has been a miscarriage of justice".

The letter, signed by the Myanmar Journalist Network (MJN) and several other groups, including two countrywide lawyers' associations, said that because Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were employed as professional journalists their case should have been dealt with under the country's media law, not the colonial-era Official Secrets Act.

"The Official Secret Act was prescribed in order to prevent espionage. In modern times, that act is no longer appropriate and needs to be reviewed," the letter said. "A sentence of seven years to each of the reporters is forbidding the media and denies the public's right to access information."

Government spokesman Zaw Htay said at his twice-monthly news conference on Friday that the government could not interfere in the case as Myanmar's courts were independent. He confirmed that the president had received the letters from MPC members, but did not discuss them further.

The letter also said Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo had followed the facts on the ground to report stories of high public interest, had shown professional balance in seeking comment from police officers in order to tell both sides of the story and did not violate Myanmar's media law.

Before their arrest, the reporters had been working on an investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys by security forces and Buddhist civilians in western Myanmar during an army crackdown that began in August last year. The operation sent more than 720,000 people fleeing to Bangladesh.

During the ceremony in the capital Naypyitaw, one of the newly-appointed MPC members, Thar Lun Zaung Htet, also handed over letters from the wives of the journalists and called on the president to review the case.

In response to the letters, Win Myint said he "had to act on this case in accordance with the law and he will review this case in accordance with legal procedures", according to Thar Lun Zaung Htet.

Defence lawyers this month appealed to the High Court against the conviction.

Groups representing journalists and lawyers in Myanmar handed a letter to the country's president on Friday outlining their concerns over the jailing of two Reuters reporters convicted of breaking state secrets laws.

Groups representing journalists and lawyers in Myanmar handed a letter to the country's president on Friday outlining their concerns over the jailing of two Reuters reporters convicted of breaking state secrets laws. The letter, given to President Win Myint at the inauguration of the semi-official Myanmar Press Council (MPC), pointed out contradictions in the case against Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, who were sentenced to seven years in jail in September. Their convictions have raised questions about Myanmar's progress towards democracy and sparked an outcry from human rights advocates. Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi said in September that the case had nothing to do with freedom of expression. She has also urged people to read the judgment in the case and "point out where there has been a miscarriage of justice". The letter, signed by the Myanmar Journalist Network (MJN) and several other groups, including two countrywide lawyers' associations, said that because Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were employed as professional journalists their case should have been dealt with under the country's media law, not the colonial-era Official Secrets Act. "The Official Secret Act was prescribed in order to prevent espionage. In modern times, that act is no longer appropriate and needs to be reviewed," the letter said. "A sentence of seven years to each of the reporters is forbidding the media and denies the public's right to access information." Government spokesman Zaw Htay said at his twice-monthly news conference on Friday that the government could not interfere in the case as Myanmar's courts were independent. He confirmed that the president had received the letters from MPC members, but did not discuss them further. The letter also said Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo had followed the facts on the ground to report stories of high public interest, had shown professional balance in seeking comment from police officers in order to tell both sides of the story and did not violate Myanmar's media law. Before their arrest, the reporters had been working on an investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys by security forces and Buddhist civilians in western Myanmar during an army crackdown that began in August last year. The operation sent more than 720,000 people fleeing to Bangladesh. During the ceremony in the capital Naypyitaw, one of the newly-appointed MPC members, Thar Lun Zaung Htet, also handed over letters from the wives of the journalists and called on the president to review the case. In response to the letters, Win Myint said he "had to act on this case in accordance with the law and he will review this case in accordance with legal procedures", according to Thar Lun Zaung Htet. Defence lawyers this month appealed to the High Court against the conviction.

Myanmar journalists, lawyers raise concerns over jailing of Reuters reporters

From grumbling neighbours to witty memes of the Buddha imploring a man with speakers to "stop your noise", the cacophony around Myanmar's annual Tazaungdaing festival is revving up debate over the modern racket accompanying religious customs.

Myanmar is 90 per cent Buddhist, and October and November are packed with donation drives in the aftermath of Buddhist lent.

The religious season culminates in the Tazaundaing festival, which ends late Thursday with amusement park rides and block parties.

But some residents in the commercial capital Yangon want the volume turned down as religious chants, sermons and entreaties for donations blared over speakers compete with electronic dance music, Burmese rap and rowdy evenings.

"I don't believe Buddha would like this... Buddha likes peace and silence," Nyein Myat, a 28-year-old bank employee told AFP, adding that her sisters struggle to study because of the noise.

But in Myanmar, where authorities have struggled with hardline Buddhist nationalists and the faith is deeply ingrained in society, few make an effort to plead for quiet.

In 2016, a Dutch tourist was arrested in Mandalay and spent three months in jail after unplugging a speaker relaying a late-night sermon.

"Many people complain but it is the religious season so it is difficult to complain or report to police," said Min Saw, a 22-year-old who works the night shift at a shop.

"This season is full of good deeds for (us) Buddhists... but we mostly get annoyed."

Frustration is playing out online too.&nbsp;

One drawing shows Buddha in the forest holding up his hand and saying "dear son, please stop your noise" as a man races towards him with numerous loudspeakers.&nbsp;

A local artist tweaked Edvard Munch's celebrated "Scream", placing Buddha in the foreground holding hands over his ears in horror at the sound.

Images of the meme rocketed around Myanmar social media, drawing mostly praise but some anger over the portrayal.

"We have faced so many noise problems every day but these days it is worse," said Myo Kyaw, a 35-year-old audio engineer who was eating lunch.

"This is our tradition and I love it but noise is not really good for the people."

Than Win, a community leader in Yangon's Lanmadaw township, conceded decibel levels were high but said it is one of the holiest festivals of the year and that all religious customs deserved respect.

"We can hear the sound from the mosque loudly in the evening and if you live near the church, you can hear their sound loudly," he said.

Those taking part say they are aware of potential disturbances and have taken proper measures.

Shipyard worker Zaw Win Naing said they asked older members of the community for permission, telling them: "we would like to play loud music on these days".

From grumbling neighbours to witty memes of the Buddha imploring a man with speakers to "stop your noise", the cacophony around Myanmar's annual Tazaungdaing festival is revving up debate over the modern racket accompanying religious customs.

From grumbling neighbours to witty memes of the Buddha imploring a man with speakers to "stop your noise", the cacophony around Myanmar's annual Tazaungdaing festival is revving up debate over the modern racket accompanying religious customs. Myanmar is 90 per cent Buddhist, and October and November are packed with donation drives in the aftermath of Buddhist lent. The religious season culminates in the Tazaundaing festival, which ends late Thursday with amusement park rides and block parties. But some residents in the commercial capital Yangon want the volume turned down as religious chants, sermons and entreaties for donations blared over speakers compete with electronic dance music, Burmese rap and rowdy evenings. "I don't believe Buddha would like this... Buddha likes peace and silence," Nyein Myat, a 28-year-old bank employee told AFP, adding that her sisters struggle to study because of the noise. But in Myanmar, where authorities have struggled with hardline Buddhist nationalists and the faith is deeply ingrained in society, few make an effort to plead for quiet. In 2016, a Dutch tourist was arrested in Mandalay and spent three months in jail after unplugging a speaker relaying a late-night sermon. "Many people complain but it is the religious season so it is difficult to complain or report to police," said Min Saw, a 22-year-old who works the night shift at a shop. "This season is full of good deeds for (us) Buddhists... but we mostly get annoyed." Frustration is playing out online too. One drawing shows Buddha in the forest holding up his hand and saying "dear son, please stop your noise" as a man races towards him with numerous loudspeakers. A local artist tweaked Edvard Munch's celebrated "Scream", placing Buddha in the foreground holding hands over his ears in horror at the sound. Images of the meme rocketed around Myanmar social media, drawing mostly praise but some anger over the portrayal. "We have faced so many noise problems every day but these days it is worse," said Myo Kyaw, a 35-year-old audio engineer who was eating lunch. "This is our tradition and I love it but noise is not really good for the people." Than Win, a community leader in Yangon's Lanmadaw township, conceded decibel levels were high but said it is one of the holiest festivals of the year and that all religious customs deserved respect. "We can hear the sound from the mosque loudly in the evening and if you live near the church, you can hear their sound loudly," he said. Those taking part say they are aware of potential disturbances and have taken proper measures. Shipyard worker Zaw Win Naing said they asked older members of the community for permission, telling them: "we would like to play loud music on these days".

The Buddha likes silence: Myanmar festival stirs debate over religious noise

From grumbling neighbours to witty memes of the Buddha imploring a man with speakers to "stop your noise", the cacophony around Myanmar's annual Tazaungdaing festival is revving up debate over the modern racket accompanying religious customs.

Myanmar is 90 per cent Buddhist, and October and November are packed with donation drives in the aftermath of Buddhist lent.

The religious season culminates in the Tazaundaing festival, which ends late Thursday with amusement park rides and block parties.

But some residents in the commercial capital Yangon want the volume turned down as religious chants, sermons and entreaties for donations blared over speakers compete with electronic dance music, Burmese rap and rowdy evenings.

"I don't believe Buddha would like this... Buddha likes peace and silence," Nyein Myat, a 28-year-old bank employee told AFP, adding that her sisters struggle to study because of the noise.

But in Myanmar, where authorities have struggled with hardline Buddhist nationalists and the faith is deeply ingrained in society, few make an effort to plead for quiet.

In 2016, a Dutch tourist was arrested in Mandalay and spent three months in jail after unplugging a speaker relaying a late-night sermon.

"Many people complain but it is the religious season so it is difficult to complain or report to police," said Min Saw, a 22-year-old who works the night shift at a shop.

"This season is full of good deeds for Buddhists... but we mostly get annoyed."

Frustration is playing out online too.&nbsp;

One drawing shows Buddha in the forest holding up his hand and saying "dear son, please stop your noise" as a man races towards him with numerous loudspeakers.&nbsp;

A local artist tweaked Edvard Munch's celebrated "Scream", placing Buddha in the foreground holding hands over his ears in horror at the sound.

Images of the meme rocketed around Myanmar social media, drawing mostly praise but some anger over the portrayal.

"We have faced so many noise problems every day but these days it is worse," said Myo Kyaw, a 35-year-old audio engineer who was eating lunch.

"This is our tradition and I love it but noise is not really good for the people."

Than Win, a community leader in Yangon's Lanmadaw township, conceded decibel levels were high but said it is one of the holiest festivals of the year and that all religious customs deserved respect.

"We can hear the sound from the mosque loudly in the evening and if you live near the church, you can hear their sound loudly," he said.

From grumbling neighbours to witty memes of the Buddha imploring a man with speakers to "stop your noise", the cacophony around Myanmar's annual Tazaungdaing festival is revving up debate over the modern racket accompanying religious customs. Myanmar is 90 per cent Buddhist, and October and November are packed with donation drives in the aftermath of Buddhist lent. The religious season culminates in the Tazaundaing festival, which ends late Thursday with amusement park rides and block parties. But some residents in the commercial capital Yangon want the volume turned down as religious chants, sermons and entreaties for donations blared over speakers compete with electronic dance music, Burmese rap and rowdy evenings. "I don't believe Buddha would like this... Buddha likes peace and silence," Nyein Myat, a 28-year-old bank employee told AFP, adding that her sisters struggle to study because of the noise. But in Myanmar, where authorities have struggled with hardline Buddhist nationalists and the faith is deeply ingrained in society, few make an effort to plead for quiet. In 2016, a Dutch tourist was arrested in Mandalay and spent three months in jail after unplugging a speaker relaying a late-night sermon. "Many people complain but it is the religious season so it is difficult to complain or report to police," said Min Saw, a 22-year-old who works the night shift at a shop. "This season is full of good deeds for Buddhists... but we mostly get annoyed." Frustration is playing out online too. One drawing shows Buddha in the forest holding up his hand and saying "dear son, please stop your noise" as a man races towards him with numerous loudspeakers. A local artist tweaked Edvard Munch's celebrated "Scream", placing Buddha in the foreground holding hands over his ears in horror at the sound. Images of the meme rocketed around Myanmar social media, drawing mostly praise but some anger over the portrayal. "We have faced so many noise problems every day but these days it is worse," said Myo Kyaw, a 35-year-old audio engineer who was eating lunch. "This is our tradition and I love it but noise is not really good for the people." Than Win, a community leader in Yangon's Lanmadaw township, conceded decibel levels were high but said it is one of the holiest festivals of the year and that all religious customs deserved respect. "We can hear the sound from the mosque loudly in the evening and if you live near the church, you can hear their sound loudly," he said.

Quiet, please: Myanmar festival stirs debate over religious noise

Myanmar's High Court has allowed an appeal to proceed in the case of two Reuters reporters jailed for seven years on charges of breaking the country's Official Secrets Act, defence lawyers said on Tuesday.

The appeal against the conviction, filed earlier this month, cited evidence of a police set-up and lack of proof of a crime. The lawyers did not specify when the Yangon-based court made its decision and there was no formal announcement from the court. Reuters was unable to contact the court outside office hours.

"It is confirmed that the case has been accepted," said lawyer L. Khun Ring Pan, a member of the defence team. "We hope that the High Court will finally provide justice for Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo and declare them innocent."

Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were found guilty in September after a trial at a Yangon district court in a landmark case that has raised questions about Myanmar's progress towards democracy and sparked an outcry from diplomats and human rights advocates.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi said in September that the jailing of the reporters had nothing to do with freedom of expression. In comments made the week after their conviction, she said they had been sentenced for handling official secrets and "were not jailed because they were journalists".

Government spokesman Zaw Htay was not reachable for comment on Tuesday.

When lodging the appeal in early November, Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen J. Adler said: "The trial court'sruling was wrong.

"In condemning them as spies, it ignored compelling evidence of a police set-up, serious due process violations, and the prosecution's failure to prove any of the key elements of the crime."

Adler also said the court shifted the burden of proof from the prosecution to the Reuters reporters, and called on Myanmar to "uphold its stated dedication to rule of law, freedom of the press, and democracy by ordering the release of our colleagues".

In the next step of the appeal process, an appellate judge will take written and oral arguments from prosecution and defence lawyers before handing down a decision.

Before their arrest, the reporters had been working on a Reuters investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys by security forces and local Buddhists in western Myanmar's Rakhine state during an army crackdown that began in August last year. The operation sent more than 700,000 people fleeing to Bangladesh.

During eight months of hearings, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo testified that two policemen they had not met before handed them papers rolled up in a newspaper during a meeting at a Yangon restaurant on December&nbsp;12. Almost immediately afterwards, they said, they were bundled into a car by plainclothes officers.

Myanmar's High Court has allowed an appeal to proceed in the case of two Reuters reporters jailed for seven years on charges of breaking the country's Official Secrets Act, defence lawyers said on Tuesday.

Myanmar's High Court has allowed an appeal to proceed in the case of two Reuters reporters jailed for seven years on charges of breaking the country's Official Secrets Act, defence lawyers said on Tuesday. The appeal against the conviction, filed earlier this month, cited evidence of a police set-up and lack of proof of a crime. The lawyers did not specify when the Yangon-based court made its decision and there was no formal announcement from the court. Reuters was unable to contact the court outside office hours. "It is confirmed that the case has been accepted," said lawyer L. Khun Ring Pan, a member of the defence team. "We hope that the High Court will finally provide justice for Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo and declare them innocent." Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were found guilty in September after a trial at a Yangon district court in a landmark case that has raised questions about Myanmar's progress towards democracy and sparked an outcry from diplomats and human rights advocates. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi said in September that the jailing of the reporters had nothing to do with freedom of expression. In comments made the week after their conviction, she said they had been sentenced for handling official secrets and "were not jailed because they were journalists". Government spokesman Zaw Htay was not reachable for comment on Tuesday. When lodging the appeal in early November, Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen J. Adler said: "The trial court'sruling was wrong. "In condemning them as spies, it ignored compelling evidence of a police set-up, serious due process violations, and the prosecution's failure to prove any of the key elements of the crime." Adler also said the court shifted the burden of proof from the prosecution to the Reuters reporters, and called on Myanmar to "uphold its stated dedication to rule of law, freedom of the press, and democracy by ordering the release of our colleagues". In the next step of the appeal process, an appellate judge will take written and oral arguments from prosecution and defence lawyers before handing down a decision. Before their arrest, the reporters had been working on a Reuters investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys by security forces and local Buddhists in western Myanmar's Rakhine state during an army crackdown that began in August last year. The operation sent more than 700,000 people fleeing to Bangladesh. During eight months of hearings, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo testified that two policemen they had not met before handed them papers rolled up in a newspaper during a meeting at a Yangon restaurant on December 12. Almost immediately afterwards, they said, they were bundled into a car by plainclothes officers.

Myanmar court allows jailed Reuters reporters' appeal to proceed: Lawyer

The UN has called for calm after several Rohingya Muslims were shot and wounded in a Rakhine state camp, in a raid linked to the failed escape of more than 100 of the stateless minority from the grim settlements.

Some 120,000 Rohingya have languished in displacement camps near Rakhine's capital, Sittwe, since riots in 2012.&nbsp;

Their movement, access to healthcare, work and education is severely restricted in conditions decried as amounting to apartheid by Amnesty International.

Rohingya refugees who fled a military crackdown to Bangladesh refuse to return to Rakhine without equal rights, citizenship and safety - fearing similiar long-term confinement if they do.

Villagers told AFP that four Rohingya were shot and wounded as Myanmar police entered the Ah Nauk Ye camp in central Rakhine state's Pauktaw township Sunday morning.

In an emailed statement Knut Ostby, head of the UN office in Myanmar, called for "calm, non-violence and restraint" in an area which can be accessed only with official permission -- but is believed to suffer from some of the worst conditions in the displacement camps.

One witness said that officers were trying to arrest two Rohingya suspected of links with a boat carrying 106 Rohingya that was found last week off the coast of Myanmar's biggest city Yangon.

The discovery fuelled speculation of a fresh exodus of Rohingya by boat.

The group, who told reporters they were trying to reach Malaysia, were taken back to Rakhine on Sunday by Myanmar's navy.

Noor Hakim, an Ah Nauk Ye resident, told AFP that the trouble started on Sunday soon after 20 police arrived and crowds gathered.&nbsp;

"I am not sure where the police shot but four people got injured and among them, one seriously," he said.

He added that one of the wounded was sent to Sittwe hospital.

Another man told AFP his son was hit on the left thigh.

Police in Sittwe declined to comment.

More than 4,000 people live in Ah Nauk Ye.&nbsp;

The NGO Solidarites International described it last year as a "natural environment unsuitable to human settlement", citing water shortages, hostile host communities, lack of proper shelter and toilets.

For years Rohingya have fled persecution in Myanmar by boat, usually starting around this time of year when the monsoon season ends.&nbsp;

But a crackdown on sea trafficking in 2015 closed the route.

The 720,000 Rohingya living in crowded camps in Bangladesh were last week supposed to begin the complex and controversial process of returning to Myanmar.

But they did not leave Bangladesh after an outcry that conditions in northern Rakhine were still dangerous.

The UN says Myanmar's generals should be prosecuted for genocide in connection with the army campaign that expelled the Rohingya.

Myanmar has denied almost all claims of abuse and says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants who attacked police posts.

The UN has called for calm after several Rohingya Muslims were shot and wounded in a Rakhine state camp, in a raid linked to the failed escape of more than 100 of the stateless minority from the grim settlements.

The UN has called for calm after several Rohingya Muslims were shot and wounded in a Rakhine state camp, in a raid linked to the failed escape of more than 100 of the stateless minority from the grim settlements. Some 120,000 Rohingya have languished in displacement camps near Rakhine's capital, Sittwe, since riots in 2012. Their movement, access to healthcare, work and education is severely restricted in conditions decried as amounting to apartheid by Amnesty International. Rohingya refugees who fled a military crackdown to Bangladesh refuse to return to Rakhine without equal rights, citizenship and safety - fearing similiar long-term confinement if they do. Villagers told AFP that four Rohingya were shot and wounded as Myanmar police entered the Ah Nauk Ye camp in central Rakhine state's Pauktaw township Sunday morning. In an emailed statement Knut Ostby, head of the UN office in Myanmar, called for "calm, non-violence and restraint" in an area which can be accessed only with official permission -- but is believed to suffer from some of the worst conditions in the displacement camps. One witness said that officers were trying to arrest two Rohingya suspected of links with a boat carrying 106 Rohingya that was found last week off the coast of Myanmar's biggest city Yangon. The discovery fuelled speculation of a fresh exodus of Rohingya by boat. The group, who told reporters they were trying to reach Malaysia, were taken back to Rakhine on Sunday by Myanmar's navy. Noor Hakim, an Ah Nauk Ye resident, told AFP that the trouble started on Sunday soon after 20 police arrived and crowds gathered. "I am not sure where the police shot but four people got injured and among them, one seriously," he said. He added that one of the wounded was sent to Sittwe hospital. Another man told AFP his son was hit on the left thigh. Police in Sittwe declined to comment. More than 4,000 people live in Ah Nauk Ye. The NGO Solidarites International described it last year as a "natural environment unsuitable to human settlement", citing water shortages, hostile host communities, lack of proper shelter and toilets. For years Rohingya have fled persecution in Myanmar by boat, usually starting around this time of year when the monsoon season ends. But a crackdown on sea trafficking in 2015 closed the route. The 720,000 Rohingya living in crowded camps in Bangladesh were last week supposed to begin the complex and controversial process of returning to Myanmar. But they did not leave Bangladesh after an outcry that conditions in northern Rakhine were still dangerous. The UN says Myanmar's generals should be prosecuted for genocide in connection with the army campaign that expelled the Rohingya. Myanmar has denied almost all claims of abuse and says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants who attacked police posts.

UN calls for calm after shots fired in Rohingya camp in Myanmar

Myanmar immigration authorities detained more than 100 suspected Rohingya Muslims aboard a boat off Yangon on Friday, officials said, raising fears of a fresh wave of dangerous voyages after a 2015 crackdown on people smugglers.

The boat carrying 106 people was stopped in the early morning some 30 km (20 miles) south of Myanmar's largest city and police were on the way to investigate, Kyaw Htay, an immigration officer from Kyauktan township, told Reuters by phone.

"It's possible that they are from Rakhine. Like in previous years, it is possible they are Bengali from Rakhine," Kyaw Htay said.

Many people in Buddhist-majority Myanmar refer to the Rohingya as "Bengali", implying they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Myanmar does not consider the Rohingya a native ethnic group.

More than 700,000 Rohingya fled a sweeping army crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state last year, according to United Nations agencies. The Rohingya say soldiers and local Buddhists massacred families, burned hundreds of villages, and carried out gang rapes. UN-mandated investigators have accused the Myanmar army of "genocidal intent" and ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar denies almost all of the allegations, saying security forces were battling terrorists. Attacks by Rohingya insurgents calling themselves the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army preceded the crackdown.

Officials and aid workers told Reuters last week that dozens of Rohingya in Myanmar and Bangladesh had boarded boats to try to reach Malaysia in recent weeks after the end of the monsoon rains in early October.

Observers warn that because the smuggling routes to Thailand have been disrupted and the journey is treacherous and expensive, more and more Rohingya are opting for a cheaper and shorter trip along the Bay of Bengal coast south to Yangon.

Aye Mya Mya Myo, a lower house lawmaker for Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy party from Kyauktan, posted pictures of a rickety boat crammed with women wearing headscarves, men and children on Facebook. On some images police officials kept watch over squatting people from the boat.

She said there were 50 men, 31 women and 25 children on the boat.

It resembled vessels the Rohingya typically use to escape the apartheid-like conditions in Rakhine, where they are denied free movement and access to decent education and healthcare.

For years, Rohingya on both sides of the border have boarded boats organised by smugglers in the dry months between November and March, when the sea is calm. The perilous journey to Thailand and Malaysia, often undertaken in overcrowded vessels, has cost many lives.

Thailand cracked down on the trade after discovering a series of mass graves in 2015, leading to a crisis when smugglers abandoned their human cargo and left boats adrift in the Andaman Sea.

Myanmar immigration authorities detained more than 100 suspected Rohingya Muslims aboard a boat off Yangon on Friday, officials said, raising fears of a fresh wave of dangerous voyages after a 2015 crackdown on people smugglers.

Myanmar immigration authorities detained more than 100 suspected Rohingya Muslims aboard a boat off Yangon on Friday, officials said, raising fears of a fresh wave of dangerous voyages after a 2015 crackdown on people smugglers. The boat carrying 106 people was stopped in the early morning some 30 km (20 miles) south of Myanmar's largest city and police were on the way to investigate, Kyaw Htay, an immigration officer from Kyauktan township, told Reuters by phone. "It's possible that they are from Rakhine. Like in previous years, it is possible they are Bengali from Rakhine," Kyaw Htay said. Many people in Buddhist-majority Myanmar refer to the Rohingya as "Bengali", implying they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Myanmar does not consider the Rohingya a native ethnic group. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled a sweeping army crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state last year, according to United Nations agencies. The Rohingya say soldiers and local Buddhists massacred families, burned hundreds of villages, and carried out gang rapes. UN-mandated investigators have accused the Myanmar army of "genocidal intent" and ethnic cleansing. Myanmar denies almost all of the allegations, saying security forces were battling terrorists. Attacks by Rohingya insurgents calling themselves the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army preceded the crackdown. Officials and aid workers told Reuters last week that dozens of Rohingya in Myanmar and Bangladesh had boarded boats to try to reach Malaysia in recent weeks after the end of the monsoon rains in early October. Observers warn that because the smuggling routes to Thailand have been disrupted and the journey is treacherous and expensive, more and more Rohingya are opting for a cheaper and shorter trip along the Bay of Bengal coast south to Yangon. Aye Mya Mya Myo, a lower house lawmaker for Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy party from Kyauktan, posted pictures of a rickety boat crammed with women wearing headscarves, men and children on Facebook. On some images police officials kept watch over squatting people from the boat. She said there were 50 men, 31 women and 25 children on the boat. It resembled vessels the Rohingya typically use to escape the apartheid-like conditions in Rakhine, where they are denied free movement and access to decent education and healthcare. For years, Rohingya on both sides of the border have boarded boats organised by smugglers in the dry months between November and March, when the sea is calm. The perilous journey to Thailand and Malaysia, often undertaken in overcrowded vessels, has cost many lives. Thailand cracked down on the trade after discovering a series of mass graves in 2015, leading to a crisis when smugglers abandoned their human cargo and left boats adrift in the Andaman Sea.

Myanmar holds 106 suspected Rohingya Muslims aboard boat: Official

China supports the Myanmar government's efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after US Vice President Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke.

Pence on Wednesday voiced Washington's strongest condemnation yet of Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, telling Suu Kyi that "persecution" by her country's army was "without excuse".

Meeting Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, Li said China attaches great importance to its ties with Myanmar and would build on their tradition of friendship, China's Foreign Ministry said late on Thursday.

"The Chinese side supports Myanmar's efforts in maintaining its domestic stability, and supports Myanmar and Bangladesh appropriately resolving the Rakhine state issue via dialogue and consultation," the ministry cited Li as saying.

China is "willing to provide the relevant parties with necessary support in this regard", he added, without elaborating.

More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees crossed into Bangladesh from western Myanmar's Rakhine state, UN agencies say, after Rohingya insurgent attacks on Myanmar security forces in August 2017 triggered a sweeping military crackdown.

The two countries agreed on October 30 to begin returning refugees to Myanmar in mid-November. The UN refugee agency has said conditions in Rakhine are "not yet conducive for returns".

China has close relations with Myanmar, and backs what Myanmar officials have called a legitimate counter-insurgency operation in Rakhine.

China's statement cited Suu Kyi as expressing thanks to China for the many times it has extended help to Myanmar, especially the constant understanding and support for the Myanmar peace process and the Rakhine issue.

A plan to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar stalled on Thursday, amid protests by refugees at camps in Bangladesh and recriminations between the officials in both countries. 
&nbsp;

China supports the Myanmar government's efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after US Vice President Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke.

China supports the Myanmar government's efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after US Vice President Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke. Pence on Wednesday voiced Washington's strongest condemnation yet of Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, telling Suu Kyi that "persecution" by her country's army was "without excuse". Meeting Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, Li said China attaches great importance to its ties with Myanmar and would build on their tradition of friendship, China's Foreign Ministry said late on Thursday. "The Chinese side supports Myanmar's efforts in maintaining its domestic stability, and supports Myanmar and Bangladesh appropriately resolving the Rakhine state issue via dialogue and consultation," the ministry cited Li as saying. China is "willing to provide the relevant parties with necessary support in this regard", he added, without elaborating. More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees crossed into Bangladesh from western Myanmar's Rakhine state, UN agencies say, after Rohingya insurgent attacks on Myanmar security forces in August 2017 triggered a sweeping military crackdown. The two countries agreed on October 30 to begin returning refugees to Myanmar in mid-November. The UN refugee agency has said conditions in Rakhine are "not yet conducive for returns". China has close relations with Myanmar, and backs what Myanmar officials have called a legitimate counter-insurgency operation in Rakhine. China's statement cited Suu Kyi as expressing thanks to China for the many times it has extended help to Myanmar, especially the constant understanding and support for the Myanmar peace process and the Rakhine issue. A plan to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar stalled on Thursday, amid protests by refugees at camps in Bangladesh and recriminations between the officials in both countries.

China offers Myanmar support over Rohingya issue after US rebuke

Muhammad Abdul Kalam, the Commissioner of the Bangladesh Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, stated that the Rohingya will not be forced to return to Myanmar on Thursday, the same day that the first scheduled repatriation was slated to take place.

"No one will be forced back to Myanmar. They survived atrocities so it's natural they fear to go back," the commissioner told Al Jazeera.

However, he further told Anadolu News Agency that the formal process has not been suspended, adding that the Bangladeshi government will resume talks with Rohingya to persuade them for their willful return.

Troops have been deployed at Rohingya camps in Bangladesh to prevent a violent breakout, while a protest was held by the Rohingya at Cox's Bazar against the forceful repatriation citing a risk to their lives in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

Earlier, Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi had been stripped of Amnesty's top honour, the Ambassador of Conscience Award, due to her stance on the "crimes against humanity committed by the military against the Rohingya," according to Amnesty`s Secretary General Kumi Naidoo.

Myanmar and Bangladesh had agreed on the repatriation of the Rohingya following the third Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting held last month, leading to concerns being raised by the international community, including the United Nations, who emphasised on the need for a dignified and voluntary return.

Myanmar was given a list of 22,000 Rohingya for repatriation by Bangladesh, out of which Naypyidaw agreed for the return of 5,000 Rohingya in the first phase scheduled for November 15.

Naypyidaw had previously signed an agreement with Dhaka to resettle around one million Rohingya currently living as refugees in Bangladesh.

Rohingya are a minority ethnic group in Myanmar, who are fleeing brutal military clampdowns and violence in their native country.&nbsp;

According to Amnesty International, the Myanmar security forces killed thousands, raped women and girls, detained and tortured men and boys and burned hundreds of homes and villages to the ground in the Rakhine state last year, forcing these individuals to flee for their safety.&nbsp;

Muhammad Abdul Kalam, the Commissioner of the Bangladesh Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, stated that the Rohingya will not be forced to return to Myanmar on Thursday, the same day that the first scheduled repatriation was slated to take place.

Muhammad Abdul Kalam, the Commissioner of the Bangladesh Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, stated that the Rohingya will not be forced to return to Myanmar on Thursday, the same day that the first scheduled repatriation was slated to take place. "No one will be forced back to Myanmar. They survived atrocities so it's natural they fear to go back," the commissioner told Al Jazeera. However, he further told Anadolu News Agency that the formal process has not been suspended, adding that the Bangladeshi government will resume talks with Rohingya to persuade them for their willful return. Troops have been deployed at Rohingya camps in Bangladesh to prevent a violent breakout, while a protest was held by the Rohingya at Cox's Bazar against the forceful repatriation citing a risk to their lives in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Earlier, Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi had been stripped of Amnesty's top honour, the Ambassador of Conscience Award, due to her stance on the "crimes against humanity committed by the military against the Rohingya," according to Amnesty`s Secretary General Kumi Naidoo. Myanmar and Bangladesh had agreed on the repatriation of the Rohingya following the third Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting held last month, leading to concerns being raised by the international community, including the United Nations, who emphasised on the need for a dignified and voluntary return. Myanmar was given a list of 22,000 Rohingya for repatriation by Bangladesh, out of which Naypyidaw agreed for the return of 5,000 Rohingya in the first phase scheduled for November 15. Naypyidaw had previously signed an agreement with Dhaka to resettle around one million Rohingya currently living as refugees in Bangladesh. Rohingya are a minority ethnic group in Myanmar, who are fleeing brutal military clampdowns and violence in their native country. According to Amnesty International, the Myanmar security forces killed thousands, raped women and girls, detained and tortured men and boys and burned hundreds of homes and villages to the ground in the Rakhine state last year, forcing these individuals to flee for their safety.

Bangladesh halts forced Rohingya repatriation

Bangladesh on Wednesday stuck by plans to begin repatriating some of the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya minority who fled Myanmar last year, despite UN warnings and trepidation among the refugees themselves.

"All necessary arrangements and preparation have been taken," Bangladesh's refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam told reporters, adding: "Our primary target for tomorrow (Thursday) is 150 (Rohingya refugees) from 30 families."

He said the process would involve Bangladesh handing the refugees, the first among a preliminary 2,260 currently in vast camps in southeastern Bangladesh, over to Myanmar at a transit point on the border between the two countries.

"There will be some verification process which is a very regular custom. That will happen there," Abul said.

More than 720,000 mostly Muslim Rohingya sought refuge from a Myanmar military crackdown launched from August last year that UN investigators say amounted to ethnic cleansing, joining some 300,000 already in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh says only those who volunteer will be returned, but UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said Tuesday that many refugees are panicking at the prospect of being sent back against their will.

"With an almost complete lack of accountability –- indeed with ongoing violations -– returning Rohingya refugees to Myanmar at this point effectively means throwing them back into the cycle of human rights violations that this community has been suffering for decades," Bachelet said.

She said in a statement that the violations against the Rohingya "amount to the worst atrocities, including crimes against humanity and possibly even genocide."

Bangladesh on Wednesday stuck by plans to begin repatriating some of the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya minority who fled Myanmar last year, despite UN warnings and trepidation among the refugees themselves.

Bangladesh on Wednesday stuck by plans to begin repatriating some of the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya minority who fled Myanmar last year, despite UN warnings and trepidation among the refugees themselves. "All necessary arrangements and preparation have been taken," Bangladesh's refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam told reporters, adding: "Our primary target for tomorrow (Thursday) is 150 (Rohingya refugees) from 30 families." He said the process would involve Bangladesh handing the refugees, the first among a preliminary 2,260 currently in vast camps in southeastern Bangladesh, over to Myanmar at a transit point on the border between the two countries. "There will be some verification process which is a very regular custom. That will happen there," Abul said. More than 720,000 mostly Muslim Rohingya sought refuge from a Myanmar military crackdown launched from August last year that UN investigators say amounted to ethnic cleansing, joining some 300,000 already in Bangladesh. Bangladesh says only those who volunteer will be returned, but UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said Tuesday that many refugees are panicking at the prospect of being sent back against their will. "With an almost complete lack of accountability –- indeed with ongoing violations -– returning Rohingya refugees to Myanmar at this point effectively means throwing them back into the cycle of human rights violations that this community has been suffering for decades," Bachelet said. She said in a statement that the violations against the Rohingya "amount to the worst atrocities, including crimes against humanity and possibly even genocide."

Bangladesh confident Rohingyas will be returned

The military's presence at vast Rohingya camps in Bangladesh has been bolstered, stoking fears among refugees as authorities prepare to return them to Myanmar despite strong UN objections, leaders of the Muslim minority said Wednesday.

Bangladesh says it will start repatriating refugees from an initial group of 2,260 from Thursday despite warnings the Rohingya face almost certain persecution in Myanmar.

Many of the million refugees in the teeming camps have expressed terror at the prospect of returning to Buddhist majority Myanmar, where UN investigators say they were targeted in a military campaign that amounted to genocide.

Bangladesh says only those who volunteer will be returned, but the UN rights chief says many refugees are panicking at the prospect of being sent back against their will.

Some families listed to return have fled, community leaders and refugees have told AFP, hiding in the hills where more than 720,000 Rohingya sought refuge from a Myanmar military crackdown launched from August last year.

They joined some 300,000 Rohingya already living in squalid camps in Bangladesh's southeast for years, having fled previous waves of violence in Rakhine state.

Additional police and soldiers were seen patrolling the camps and checking identity cards, stoking anxiety as the deadline for repatriation looms, refugee leaders told AFP.

"Everyone is tense, the situation is very bad," one community leader Abdur Rahim told AFP in Cox's Bazar, the border district hosting a small city of refugees perched on hillsides.

"There are a lot of army and police inside the camps. They are checking the ID cards of Rohingya."

Nur Islam, another leader in a different part of the camps, said the military were more visible in recent days as Bangladeshi officials try and convince refugees they will be safe if they go back.

"They are trying to convince the refugees that repatriation will only occur if the Burmese government has promised they will not harm the Rohingya," he said, using an alternative name for Myanmar.

A local police chief, Abul Khaer, played down reports of additional security, saying nothing in terms of personnel had changed in recent months.

Bangladesh officials remain optimistic the large-scale refugee returns will start as planned Thursday.

They plan to send 150 people on the opening day.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday urged Dhaka to reconsider.

"With an almost complete lack of accountability – indeed with ongoing violations – returning Rohingya refugees to Myanmar at this point effectively means throwing them back into the cycle of human rights violations that this community has been suffering for decades," she said in a statement.

She said the violations against the Rohingya "amount to the worst atrocities, including crimes against humanity and possibly even genocide."

US Vice President Mike Pence told Aung San Suu Kyi the violence against the Rohingya was "without excuse", adding pressure to Myanmar's civilian leader who this week had an Amnesty International honour revoked. 
&nbsp;

The military's presence at vast Rohingya camps in Bangladesh has been bolstered, stoking fears among refugees as authorities prepare to return them to Myanmar despite strong UN objections, leaders of the Muslim minority said Wednesday.

The military's presence at vast Rohingya camps in Bangladesh has been bolstered, stoking fears among refugees as authorities prepare to return them to Myanmar despite strong UN objections, leaders of the Muslim minority said Wednesday. Bangladesh says it will start repatriating refugees from an initial group of 2,260 from Thursday despite warnings the Rohingya face almost certain persecution in Myanmar. Many of the million refugees in the teeming camps have expressed terror at the prospect of returning to Buddhist majority Myanmar, where UN investigators say they were targeted in a military campaign that amounted to genocide. Bangladesh says only those who volunteer will be returned, but the UN rights chief says many refugees are panicking at the prospect of being sent back against their will. Some families listed to return have fled, community leaders and refugees have told AFP, hiding in the hills where more than 720,000 Rohingya sought refuge from a Myanmar military crackdown launched from August last year. They joined some 300,000 Rohingya already living in squalid camps in Bangladesh's southeast for years, having fled previous waves of violence in Rakhine state. Additional police and soldiers were seen patrolling the camps and checking identity cards, stoking anxiety as the deadline for repatriation looms, refugee leaders told AFP. "Everyone is tense, the situation is very bad," one community leader Abdur Rahim told AFP in Cox's Bazar, the border district hosting a small city of refugees perched on hillsides. "There are a lot of army and police inside the camps. They are checking the ID cards of Rohingya." Nur Islam, another leader in a different part of the camps, said the military were more visible in recent days as Bangladeshi officials try and convince refugees they will be safe if they go back. "They are trying to convince the refugees that repatriation will only occur if the Burmese government has promised they will not harm the Rohingya," he said, using an alternative name for Myanmar. A local police chief, Abul Khaer, played down reports of additional security, saying nothing in terms of personnel had changed in recent months. Bangladesh officials remain optimistic the large-scale refugee returns will start as planned Thursday. They plan to send 150 people on the opening day. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday urged Dhaka to reconsider. "With an almost complete lack of accountability – indeed with ongoing violations – returning Rohingya refugees to Myanmar at this point effectively means throwing them back into the cycle of human rights violations that this community has been suffering for decades," she said in a statement. She said the violations against the Rohingya "amount to the worst atrocities, including crimes against humanity and possibly even genocide." US Vice President Mike Pence told Aung San Suu Kyi the violence against the Rohingya was "without excuse", adding pressure to Myanmar's civilian leader who this week had an Amnesty International honour revoked.

Tensions high as Rohingya fear looming return to Myanmar

The jailing of two Reuters journalists in Myanmar over their reporting of the Rohingya crisis is "deeply troubling", US Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday, describing a "free and independent" media as a core American value.

Speaking to Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a summit in Singapore, he criticised the seven-year sentence meted out to Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, over their coverage of a massacre of Rohingya men during an army operation last year.

The pair, both Myanmar nationals, were charged under the draconian state secrets act after meeting police who handed them documents.

Reuters have appealed the verdict insisting they were entrapped by authorities to muzzle reporting of abuses by Myanmar's powerful military.

Pence said America placed a "premium" on "a free and independent" press and said he would take the matter up with Suu Kyi in their private talks.

The verdict against the Reuters reporters sparked widespread condemnation as a brazen effort to intimidate Myanmar's nascent community of journalists.

"In America we believe in the freedom of the press," Pence added.

Pence's boss President Donald Trump has a notoriously combative relationship with the media, routinely describing journalists as "enemy of the people" and dismissing critical reporting as "fake news".

The jailing of two Reuters journalists in Myanmar over their reporting of the Rohingya crisis is "deeply troubling", US Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday, describing a "free and independent" media as a core American value.

The jailing of two Reuters journalists in Myanmar over their reporting of the Rohingya crisis is "deeply troubling", US Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday, describing a "free and independent" media as a core American value. Speaking to Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a summit in Singapore, he criticised the seven-year sentence meted out to Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, over their coverage of a massacre of Rohingya men during an army operation last year. The pair, both Myanmar nationals, were charged under the draconian state secrets act after meeting police who handed them documents. Reuters have appealed the verdict insisting they were entrapped by authorities to muzzle reporting of abuses by Myanmar's powerful military. Pence said America placed a "premium" on "a free and independent" press and said he would take the matter up with Suu Kyi in their private talks. The verdict against the Reuters reporters sparked widespread condemnation as a brazen effort to intimidate Myanmar's nascent community of journalists. "In America we believe in the freedom of the press," Pence added. Pence's boss President Donald Trump has a notoriously combative relationship with the media, routinely describing journalists as "enemy of the people" and dismissing critical reporting as "fake news".

Myanmar jailing of reporters 'deeply troubling': Pence

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