It would seem that fourth time’s the charm, as that’s how many appeals the legal team representing Eleven Media’s CEO and editor-in-chief submitted before a judge finally granted them bail.
Earlier today, a judge from the Tamwe Township Court set a bail amount of 50 million kyats for each defendant, reports 7Day.
The team of lawyers representing CEO Than Htut Aung and Editor-in-Chief Wai Phyo had repeatedly cited the former’s rapidly deteriorating health in each of their appeals for bail, but to no avail — until today. Both men are being charged under section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law for printing an article accusing Rangoon Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein of taking a bribe.
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Last week, Eleven Media Group printed a public apology stating, “The CEO and those responsible from Eleven Media Group would like to express their sincere apologies to the Yangon Region Chief Minister and the government for damage caused by the article written based on inaccurate and groundless information. We make a solemn promise that we would not do such as act [sic] next time.”
However, the plaintiffs have assured press that in spite of the latest development, the charges still stand and the case will move forward as planned.
This story was originally published by Coconuts Yangon here.
