The number of arrested journalists from February 1 to April 15 has hit 65, according to the website of Reporting Asean.

There were 52 males, 12 females and one unidentified person. Of the 65, 31 have been released and 24 still under detention.

All the journalists arrested or facing lawsuits have been charged with sedition under section 505 (a) of the penal  code of Myanmar.

The State-run MRTV (Myanmar Radio and Television) is also announcing charges against journalists under section 505 (a).

Arrest warrants were issued for Zin Thaw Naing from Democracy Vision news agency, journalist  Sithu Aung Myint, freelance reporters Myat Kyaw Thu and July Moe, Nay Zaw Naing from DVB, Ye Wint Thu, Thar Noe Wai, photo journalist Pyae Sone Aung from Mandalay, reporter Han Htoo Zaw from Pyay, photo journalist Soe Zeyar Tun from Reuters and reporter Lu Min Thaung Tun.

MRTV announced on April 5 that Zin Thaw Naing was arrested. Three reporters from Myitkyina news journal have also been arrested.

Thin Thin Aung and James Pu Hton, founders of Mizzima media, and Nay Pyi Taw-based reporter Than Htike Aung have also been arrested.

Editor in charge Nan Nan Tai, reporter Nan Win Yi, publisher Tin Aung Kyaw and another staff member of Kanbawza Times news agency were arrested on March 24.

Pyay-based reporter Min Nyo and Myeik-based repoter Aung Kyaw from DVB news agency have also been arrested.

In Yangon, photo journalist Ye Myo Khant from MPA, reporter Aung Ye Ko from 7Day News Journal, freelance reporter Banyar, Hein Pyae Zaw from Zee Gwat news agency, Kay Zun Nway from Myanmar Now and freelance reporter Soe Yazar Tun were arrested in February while covering news. They have been charged with section 505 (a).