Using drones without permission, two foreign reporters face prison sentences

Myanmar police are preparing to prosecute two Malaysian and Singaporean journalists after they used drones near Myanmar's parliament.

Two journalists Lau Hon Meng (left) and Mok Choy Lin (right) after being invited to the police station - Today Online screenshot

The two journalists could be prosecuted along with their local interpreter for using a drone without declaring it.

At the authorities, journalists Lau Hon Meng (Singapore) and Mok Choy Lin (Malaysia) said they were working for Türkiye's TRT television station.

The two were arrested along with their interpreter and driver while using a drone to film near the Myanmar Parliament in the capital Naypyitaw on October 27 and have been detained since then.

Myanmar police said they are asking the court to extend their detention for another 15 days before prosecuting them under Article 8 of the Myanmar Import and Export Law.

Myanmar police spokesman General Myo Thu Soe confirmed the incident to Reuters news agency. Mr. Myo Thu Soe said the two journalists had "illegally imported" drones into Myanmar and should be arrested and tried.

The prosecution process will be wrapped up within 10 days, according to police officer Tun Tun Win.

According to Reuters' investigation, Myanmar's Import-Export Law does not directly mention drones, but only states that "no individual is allowed to import or export prohibited goods" and "without a license, no individual can import or export a specific type of goods that require permission."

Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had informed the Malaysian and Singaporean embassies of the arrests of two of its citizens. Neither Singapore nor Malaysia has made any official response.

TRT, the television station where the two journalists work, confirmed that it is "negotiating with Myanmar authorities to release the two journalists. Both have valid visas."

Relations between Türkiye and Myanmar have recently entered a period of tension following Ankara's statements about the Rohingya people in Myanmar.

According to TTO