American editor detained in Myanmar, news site says

Frontier Myanmar, one of the top independent new sites in Myanmar, said on Monday that its American news editor had been detained after attempting to fly out of the country.

The news site said its managing editor, Danny Fenster, 37, had been detained in Yangon while attempting to fly to Malaysia.

“We do not know why Danny was detained and have not been able to contact him,” Frontier Myanmar said.

According to the news site, Fenster has been transferred to the Insein Prison in Yangon.

“We are concerned for his wellbeing and call for his immediate release. Our priorities right now are to make sure he is safe and to provide him with whatever assistance he needs. ENDS,” the news site tweeted.

We do not know why Danny was detained and have not been able to contact him since this morning. We are concerned for his wellbeing and call for his immediate release. Our priorities right now are to make sure he is safe and to provide him with whatever assistance he needs. ENDS

— Frontier Myanmar (@FrontierMM) May 24, 2021

As Reuters reports, Fenster is the third foreign journalist to be detained since the military coup in February took place.

When reached for comment, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy told Reuters, “We are unable to provide details due to privacy considerations.”

“Were absolutely stunned and extremely confused as to why Dan was detained,” Fenster’s brother, Bryan Fenster, said in remarks provided to Frontier Myanmar. “We’ve been assured that there is no concern for his safety but no doubt we are very worried.”

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, 4,301 people have been arrested, charged or sentenced as of Monday.