Two human rights groups have called on sports journalists to show their support for an imprisoned Burmese sports editor during the European Union football (soccer) championships in Portugal.
Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders says Zaw Thet Htwe recently had his sentence reduced from life to three years in prison. The groups say Zaw Thet Htwe, who was convicted of treason, was being targeted for his work in a Burmese sports magazine.
The groups also called for the release of seven Burmese law students who were arrested last year for setting up a sports union without school permission.
The groups urged football journalists and fans to sign a petition demanding the release of Zaw Thet Htwe and the students.