Myanmar releases 12 SL fishermen

• The fishermen were arrested on February 11 and were charged  with trespassing into Myanmar waters

Twelve Sri Lankan fishermen who were taken into custody  by Myanmar Navy in February, have been released, the Sri Lankan  Ambassador to Myanmar said.  

The fishermen were arrested on February 11 and were charged  with trespassing into Myanmar waters, fishing in those waters,  disobeying naval orders and entering the country.  

The two captains of the fishing boat have been sentenced to five years and six months imprisonment, while the other 10 fishermen  have been sentenced to three years and six months imprisonment.   

In addition, they have also been fined. The fishermen were held at the Pathan Prison in Myanmar.