The International Press Institute (IPI) welcomes the decision of the Indian authorities to re-open Mizzima News head office in New Delhi. The office was sealed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi on 16 April 2007.

The decision to re-open the office followed pressure by Mizzinma’s supporters and international press freedom organisations, including IPI.

Mizzima head office unsealed by Municipal Corporation of Delhi

Source: Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com )

April 18, 2007 – As an exceptional case, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi today unsealed the head office of Mizzima in New Delhi. It was sealed by the civic body on April 16, 2007.

The decision to reopen Mizzima’s office was made today by the Deputy Commissioner of the MCD and member of the Sealing Monitoring Committee, Mr. Deepak Hastir, following a meeting between Mizzima’s representatives and the Chief Engineer of the MCD west zone, Mr. Naveen Verma.

Mr. Verma told Sein Win, Mizzima’s managing editor, one of the representatives who met MCD officials, that the Sealing Monitoring Committee had decided to unseal the Mizzima office on the ground that it is not into commercial activity.

The meeting between Mizzima’s representatives and MCD officials took place after about 50 Mizzima staff members and supporters held a peaceful demonstration today outside the MCD office.

Following the meeting, a Junior Engineer of the MCD office came along with Mizzima’s representatives to the Mizzima office and broke the seal that was put by the civic authorities two days ago.

Mizzima, while rejoicing over the outcome of today’s demonstration, credits today’s success to the support and solidarity by Mizzima support groups and organizations, particularly to the Southeast Asian Press Alliance, International Freedom of Expression and Exchange, Committee to Protect Journalists, Burma News International, Burma Media Association, and International Press Institute, and for showing concern and writing to the Indian Home Minister, Mr. Shivraj Patil.

While Mizzima is grateful to the MCD and thanks it for understanding the nature of Mizzima’s activity and unsealing its office, it also expresses its appreciation of the Indian government’s role in the matter.