U.N. calls for release of Reuters journalists in Myanmar

Detained Reuters journalist Wa Lone is escorted by police during a break at a court hearing in Yangon, Myanmar February 1, 2018. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations human rights office called on Friday on Myanmar authorities to release two detained Reuters journalists, a day after they were denied bail.

"We repeat the calls for their immediate release and for the charges to be dropped," U.N. human rights spokesman Rupert Colville told a Geneva news briefing. "We are alarmed at the serious erosion of freedom of expression in Myanmar."

Detained Reuters journalist Kyaw Soe Oo carries his daughter Moe Thin Wai Zin while being escorted by police during a break at a court hearing in Yangon, Myanmar February 1, 2018. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Peter Graff)

FILE PHOTO - Reuters journalist Kyaw Soe Oo arrives at the court in Yangon, Myanmar January 10, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer

FILE PHOTO - Reuters journalist Wa Lone arrives at the court in Yangon, Myanmar January 10, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer