Nikki Haley blasts Myanmar convictions of Reuters journalists: ‘Another terrible stain’

U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Monday blasted the government of Myanmar over the convictions of two Reuters journalists, calling it “another terrible stain” on the country.

“It is clear to all that the Burmese military has committed vast atrocities,” Haley said in a statement posted to Twitter. “In a free country, it is the duty of a responsible press to keep people informed and hold leaders accountable.”

“The conviction of two journalists for doing their job is another terrible stain on the Burmese government,” she continued. “We will continue to call for their immediate and unconditional release.” 

RT @USUN: pic.twitter.com/5ZeToFOqxl

— Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) September 3, 2018

The top Trump administration official spoke out after a Myanmar judge earlier Monday sentenced two Reuters journalists to seven years in prison.

The judge ruled that Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, broke the law by obtaining confidential documents as they reported on the persecution of Rohingya Muslims.

They were convicted of breaking the Official Secrets Act, a colonial-era law, Reuters reported. The two men have been jailed since December.

The two journalists testified that police officials provided them the documents at a restaurant in the city of Yangon. Moments later, different officers arrested them. A police witness said the meeting was meant as a trap, according to Reuters.

“Today is a sad day for Myanmar, Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, and the press everywhere,” Reuters editor-in-chief Stephen Adler said in a statement Monday.