Monitors condemn abduction of Burmese journalist

We are deeply concerned over reports that Burmese journalist and political activist Minn Kyaw was abducted on his way to cover the visit of Burma's Prime Minister Khin Nyunt on Tuesday. He was released later that night.

According to reports, a Kuala Lumpur-based lawyer said Minn Kyaw was asked questions regarding his activities here and who was funding his pro-democracy movement. When he refused to answer, his captors slapped and punched him, said the lawyer.

Minn Kyaw identified one of his captors as a Burmese and the other two as Malaysians.

This news is disturbing and does not augur well for press freedom in Malaysia. The timing of the abduction, ahead of the visit of Burma's prime minister, raises all kinds of questions. The visit of Burma's prime minister was embarrassing for Malaysia - especially when the Burma government is facing international condemnation for its appalling treatment of Nobel prize winner Aung Sun Suu Kyii.

We urge the Malaysian government to condemn the kidnapping of Minn Kyaw and to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into the circumstances of his abduction, illegal interrogation and assault and battery. The culprits must be brought to book.