By: (AP) A Myanmar government spokesman professed bewilderment Wednesday at charges by an international press freedom group that the country's military regime detains journalists in brutal conditions and tightly restricts freedom of information.
In a report issued Tuesday, the Paris-based group Reporters Without Borders described Myanmar, also known as Burma, as "the largest prison for journalists in Asia."
It urged that international sanctions be maintained against the military government until 18 jailed journalists are released and censorship is eliminated.
Asked for comment, the Myanmar government spokesman said the government was "confused" by the charges because last year the group "stated that 24 professional writers were behind bars but this time it is 18."
In a faxed statement, the spokesman said "there are 84 journals and 141 magazines published by the private sector regularly with over 400 professional writers actively pursuing their profession."
"Constructive criticism is welcomed and there are foreign and local organizations in the country exchanging views with government officials and also providing suggestions and advice on a regular basis which has been appreciated by the government," the spokesman said on customary condition of anonymity.
Commenting on the group's charge that journalists are tortured in detention, the spokesman said the government is working "very closely and in full cooperation with the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) which has been visiting the correctional facilities in the country."
The press group's report, however, said Red Cross personnel do not have access to all of the country's 36 prisons and that three years after inspections resumed, "food, health care, and sanitary conditions have not changed significantly."
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