LANSING, Mich., Nov. 12, 2021 — American journalist Danny Fenster, a Huntington Woods, Mich. native, was sentenced today to 11 years in prison in Myanmar following his detention on false charges earlier this year.
Fenster is the managing editor of Frontier Myanmar but was arrested at Yangon International Airport while on his way home to Michigan on charges he was working for another media outlet banned by the military regime.
“I am deeply disappointed in the verdict today to convict Danny Fenster on clearly false charges without any credible evidence,” said state Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park). “This is not the outcome we wanted, but we will not stop standing up for our values and what is right. My thoughts are with the Fenster family, and I will keep working and calling for Danny’s release.”
Fenster still faces additional terrorism and treason charges for which he could receive up to life in prison.
“Our community is heartbroken by this unjust trial and sentence,” said state Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “We remain unrelenting in our advocacy to bring Danny home and continue to lift up the Fenster family in our thoughts.”
In June, the Michigan Legislature adopted Senate Resolution 61 sponsored by Sen. Moss and House Resolution 118 sponsored by Rep. Weiss calling for Fenster’s release and safe return home.