Ethnic rebels refute allegations, and say the Burmese military is “spreading lies”. KIA spokesman says the campaign is a veiled threat against the local population.

A impromptu remand hearing was called today court for three journalists who were arrested last week in Shan State.

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.

The European Union on Monday urged Burma to protect journalists from “intimidation, arrest or prosecution” after several cases of reporters running into trouble with the law, including three detained by the army last week.

"All three journalists are in good health. What they really need is food. Aye Naing can eat the food here, but the two younger journalists cannot stomach it."

The Irrawaddy’s Lawi Weng and DVB’s Aye Nai and Pyae Phone Aung, along with three civilians, were charged today under the Unlawful Association Act.