DHAKA: Myanmar has detained several journalists after they published allegations of a military facility producing chemical weapons, according to their newspaper editor, as a media watchdog raised fears over press freedom.

Five journalists including the chief executive of the Unity Weekly News were arrested on Friday and Saturday, according to colleagues, who said they are facing charges over a report in January.

‘Family members were informed last night by the authorities that they could visit them in (Yangon’s) Insein prison and told to hire lawyers,’ said Unity editor Aung Thura Ko Ko, reports The Straits Times.

‘They have been charged under the official secrets act,’ he added.

BDST: 1945 HRS, FEB 04, 2014