YANGON, Myanmar (AP) – Thein Zaw, a journalist from The Associated Press who was arrested more than three weeks ago while covering a protest against the coup in Myanmar, was released from detention on Wednesday.
Visibly thinner than before his arrest, Thein Zaw waved and smiled at photographers as he left Yangon’s Insein Prison, infamous for decades for holding political prisoners.
His brothers and best friend took him home to an area of Yangon under martial law. He told the AP that his mother told him through tears, “We thought we would never see you again.”
Thein Zaw had previously said that the judge in his case had announced in a hearing that all charges against him were dropped because he was doing his job at the time of his arrest.
He said he was “worried every day” in prison, and last week celebrated his 33rd birthday behind bars.
Despite his relief, he said he was concerned about the many journalists who are still in prison.
“Thanks to all who tried so hard to get my release,” he said. “But one thing that upsets me is that there are still some people in there, and I hope they can get out as soon as possible.”
Thein Zaw’s father, Ba Win, greeted him with shampoo, as it is a local custom that people returning from prison should wash their hair before entering the house. His parents made pork curry and fish curry for his first meal at home.
His release was also emotional for attorney Tin Zar Oo, who said she cried and jumped for joy when the judge announced the charges were dropped.
“I was so happy. Thein Zaw looked at me and I couldn’t even remember words when they asked me if I had anything to say,” she said. “I hugged Thein Zaw and we both cried for joy.”
Her client was charged with violating a law of public order that carries a sentence of up to three years in prison.
He was one of nine media workers who had been detained and held without bail during a street protest on February 27 in Yangon, the country’s largest city. About 40 journalists have been detained or charged since the February 1 coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, about half of whom remain behind bars.
Authorities have also arrested thousands of protesters since the takeover as part of an increasingly brutal crackdown. More than 600 protesters were released on Wednesday, a rare conciliatory gesture by the military that appeared to be aimed at calming the protest movement.
The AP and many press freedom organizations have called for the release of Thein Zaw and other detained members of the press.
“The Associated Press is very relieved that AP journalist Thein Zaw has been released from prison in Myanmar,” said Ian Phillips, AP vice president for international news. “Our relief is tempered by the fact that more journalists are being held. We urge Myanmar to release all journalists and enable them to report freely and securely on what is happening in the country. “
Thein Zaw was arrested while shooting police, some of them armed, attacking protesters against the coup through a street. A video shows that he did step on the side of the street To get out of the way, several police officers came up to him and surrounded him. One of them strangled him while he was handcuffed and then taken away.
Tin Zar Oo saw her client for the first time since his arrest at a March 12 hearing where his custody was extended – and even then it was via video link.
The International Press Institute, headquartered in Vienna, welcomed the release, saying he was “detained for his work as a journalist and should never have been behind bars at all.”
“Myanmar must now immediately release all other journalists it holds,” said Scott Griffen, the institute’s deputy director. “The military junta must end all forms of bullying and media intimidation exhibiting anti-coup demonstrations and end restrictions on publication and broadcast by media outlets in the country.”