The three journalists who were arrested in Ta’ang territory last week –  Aye Nai and Pyae Phone Aung of DVB, and Irrawaddy reporter Lawi Weng – are all in good health, said one of Aye Nai’s brothers after the first family visit permitted since the trio’s arrest last week.

Family members of Aye Nai, a veteran reporter for DVB who is currently being detained in Hsipaw Prison, had a chance meet him for the first time this morning.

“We met with him around 10am,” said one of his brothers. “We saw him for about half an hour. Only two family members were allowed to meet with him. All three journalists are in good health. What they really need is food. Aye Nai can eat the food here, but the two younger journalists cannot stomach it, so he told us to give them the food we had brought from the local market.”

He added: “Because they have not had their first court hearing yet, family members are only being allowed to meet with them once a week.”

A relative of Lawi Weng has confirmed to DVB that he also received a family visit today.

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Meanwhile, a hand grenade was lobbed over the wall of Hsipaw police station, where the three journalists were originally held before being transferred to the local jail.

“An improvised grenade was thrown into the compound of the police station on Sunday morning at 4:30. No one was hurt but two cars were damaged,” said Pol Maj Myint Win of Hsipaw police station.

He said a motorcyclist threw the explosive over the compound’s brick wall and then sped off.

“We are investigating the attack,” said Myint Win. “It may be related to the Unlawful Association case involving three journalists and three Palaung [Ta’ang] men who are currently detained. Perhaps the attackers are unhappy about the case.”