Mizzima News:: Burmese authorities on Monday charged the Editor-in-Chief and manager of the Rangoon journal Myanmar Nation with illegal printing and publishing.

The two, who had been detained in Thingangyun police station for 15 days, were charged under section 17/20 of the Printers and Publishers Registration Law on February 25 and were shifted to Burma's notorious Insein prison, family members said.

"They were interrogated by the Military Affairs Security (MAS) while in Thingangyun police station. We learnt they were charged under the Printers and Publishers Act. The authorities said they were charged for possessing a copy of the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, Mr. Pinheiro, a copy of Unbreakable Union written by U Shwe Ohn and CDs of the Saffron Revolution," Daw Khin Swe Myint, wife of Editor-in-Chief U Thet Zin told Mizzima.

"They were remanded to 14 days in police custody and the remand was to end on February 29. But they were shifted to Insein prison on Monday. Since they have no spare clothes I sent a parcel to them on Tuesday. Ko Thet Zin told me that he is in good health and his morale is high," she added.

The employees of Myanmar Nation are reportedly facing difficulties as they no longer have jobs after the authorities closed the journal's office and stopped its publication.

"I told reporters to continue their work. I told them I would try my best to print their news stories in other journals to earn some money. But it's not an easy job. I feel sorry for the staff and their families who are dependent on the journal at a time when many people are facing economic hardships," Daw Khin Swe Myint said.