S. Res. 635 (Introduced in Senate) — Calling for the immediate release of unjustly imprisoned Myanmar journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, and expressing concern over the overall deterioration in freedom of the press in Myanmar.

That the Senate—

(1)

calls for all the convictions against Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo to be nullified, for the similar charges against many other journalists currently awaiting trial to be dropped, and for the immediate and unconditional release of these journalists;

(2)

expresses concern about the Government of Myanmar’s crackdown on journalists and press freedom throughout the country;

(3)

reaffirms the central role that independent and professional journalism plays in strengthening democratic governance, upholding the rule of law, mitigating conflict, and informing public opinion around the world;

(4)

urges the Secretary of State to make a determination whether the actions by the Myanmar military constitute crimes against humanity or genocide and to work with interagency partners to impose targeted sanctions on Myanmar military officials responsible for these heinous acts through existing authorities; and

(5)

calls on the President and the Secretary of State—

(A)

to reaffirm the importance of a free press in strengthening democratic governance, upholding the rule of law, mitigating conflict, and informing public opinion around the world; and

(B)

to engage immediately and at the highest levels with the Government of Myanmar, including by encouraging Aung San Suu Kyi to use her influence to secure the immediate and unconditional release of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, as United States leadership is critical to this issue.

Calling for the immediate release of unjustly imprisoned Myanmar journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, and expressing concern over the overall deterioration in freedom of the press in Myanmar.

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