The Myanmar junta has defended its detention of American journalist Danny Fenster who has been held for four months, without giving details of the crimes he is charged with, according to AP.

Military spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun did not elaborate in his response at a news conference to a question about Fenster, who is awaiting trial on a charge of incitement, also called sedition. Fenster, 37, is managing editor of the Yangon-based online news and business magazine Frontier Myanmar, and used to work previously for media outfit, Myanmar Now.

Asked about the reason for Fenster’s arrest, Zaw Min Tun responded: “As for journalists, if they do only journalist’s work, there is no reason to arrest them. Danny Fenster did more than just what a journalist does.” He said he could not say more, other than that Fenster was kept detained because he has been charged, according to AP.

Fenster’s family has expressed concern about Fenster’s condition with fears he may have caught COVID-19 and may not be receiving the care he needs.

His lawyer told AFP recently that his client appeared despondent, given his circumstances. Fenster is being held in the notorious British Colonial era Insein Prison in Yangon.

Additional reporting AFP