India
Mizzima News Agency re-openedPosted Apr 25 2007
Authorities re-opened the headquarters of the independent non-profit news agency Mizzima in New Delhi April 18, two days municipal officers and police ordered the offices shut down. Authorities claimed that Mizzima, which is run by exiled Burmese journalists, was shut down because it was involved in commercial activities in a residential area. Mizzima denied these charges. The offices were unsealed after a meeting between Mizzima representatives and officials. This followed a peaceful protest by Mizzima staff and supporters. According to the International Press Institute, Mizzima's managing editor was told that the Sealing Monitoring Committee decided to unseal the office because it was determined that Mizzima was not into commercial activity. According to the International Press Institute, Mizzima's editor, Soe Myint and the Southeast Asian Press Alliance say they believe the raid was related to Mizzima's coverage on Burma, and Myint's role as a translator for 34 Burmese rebels currently on trial in India for allegedly providing weapons to Indian insurgents.