Two Reuters journalists jailed in Myanmar after they were convicted of breaking the Official Secrets Act have been freed from prison after spending more than 500 days behind bars.
Reuters journalists Wa Lon and Kyaw Soe Oo wave outside Insein prison after being freed in a presidential amnesty in Yangon on 7 May, 2019. Photo: AFP / STR
The two reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were convicted in September and sentenced to seven years in jail.
The case raised questions about Myanmar's progress toward democracy, and sparked an outcry from diplomats and human rights advocates.
Myanmar's government has pardoned thousands of other prisoners in mass amnesties in the last month.
It is customary in Myanmar for authorities to free prisoners across the country around the time of the traditional New Year, which began on 17 April.
Kyaw Soe Oo after being released. Photo: ANN WANG / POOL / AFP
Reuters editor-in-chief Steve Adler said they were "enormously pleased" that Myanmar had released the "courageous" reporters.
"Since their arrests 511 days ago, they have become symbols of the importance of press freedom around the world. We welcome their return."
- Reuters
