Legal experts suggest that the case brought against three detained journalists who are being charged under Burma’s Unlawful Associations Act lacks a sound basis upon which to pursue prosecution, given the specifics of the colonial-era legislation’s provisions.

Three Burmese reporters detained at an undisclosed location by the army will be charged under a colonial-era statute against “unlawful association” and risk up to three years in prison, government and army officials said on Tuesday.

Rights groups on Tuesday released a joint report giving the ruling National League for Democracy government abysmal marks on matters related to press freedom and free expression over the party’s first year in power.

Civil society organisations say despite the new Freedom of Association Law passed in June last year, there are still many restrictions that should be dropped.

The military later dropped the lawsuit after the 7Day issued an apology in government newspapers.

The group’s secretary said their aim is to assist and represent anyone – regardless of their religion – in connection with incidents or alleged crimes which may have religious pretexts.