Friends of arrested Reuters reporter in Myanmar pour out hearts on social media

Ever since Reuters Myanmar reporter Wa Lone was arrested on Dec. 12 on suspicion of violating the Official Secrets Act, friends and former colleagues have poured out their hearts and expressed hopes for his release on social media.

Wa Lone and colleague Kyaw Soe Oo, who was also arrested, had worked on Reuters coverage of a crisis in the western state of Rakhine, where an estimated 655,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled from a fierce military crackdown on militants.

Major governments, including the United States, the European Union and Canada, and top U.N. officials, are among those demanding the release of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo.

In Myanmar, which is still in transition after almost half a century of strict military rule, speaking out in support of journalists and others who run afoul of the authorities is more the exception than the rule.

A relative of Kyaw Soe Oo, who is based in Rakhine State, where animosity between the Buddhist Rakhine community and Rohingya Muslims is intense, said his friends were reluctant to show support for him given the divisive atmosphere.

Government spokesman Zaw Htay, when asked about social media support for the pair, said such a campaign should not be done while a case was being heard in court.

"During the trial, they need to prove they're right and they're innocent," he told Reuters.

"The complainant will accuse and the accused should defend. They should think about how their pressure will affect the court."

The following are some of the numerous comments about Wa Lone, who has done voluntary charity work, helping poor children.

Thiha Maung Maung, a former colleague of Wa Lone's at the People's Age journal.

"He speaks frankly, he has a very good attitude and always helps out friends."

"I am very sad to see that not only the government but also some people are seeing Ko Wa Lone as a traitor," he said, using a Burmese honorific that means "brother".