The family of a United States journalist jailed by Myanmar's military has appealed for his release on the 100th day since his arrest.
Danny Fenster's mother, Rose, told reporters on Tuesday that her son is believed to have contracted COVID-19 during his detention at Insein Prison in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city.
During his last call with family members, Rose said, the 37-year-old seemed to be suffering from "brain fog" and reported a loss of taste and smell. However, he has not been tested.
The mother of Fenster has only had limited communication with her son since he was arrested on May 24 at the international airport in Yangon as he tried to leave the country.
The managing editor of Frontier Myanmar news outlet, Fenster, has been accused of incitement, including spreading false information. Upon conviction, he could be imprisoned for up to three years.
"It's hard to believe it's been 100 days, but we're grateful for our community's support," his mother expressed.
Buddy Fenster, the journalist's father, expressed optimism that his son would be released.
"They have not charged him," he said.
At the news conference, the father said, "We're just going to stay tough - as tough as Danny is - and we won't stop until we get him home."
Bryan said that based on recent calls, "his voice still sounds strong… he still has a sense of humor, which is amazing, but you can hear and feel the anxiety and frustration in his voice at the same time".
There is no clear information about what the next steps will be after Fenster's family appeals for his release days before an upcoming hearing on September 6, 2021.
At the time of his arrest, Fenster had been working for Frontier Myanmar for about a year. As he headed to see his family in the United States, he was detained.
Last month, the US Department of State reported that the Myanmar military had denied the US embassy's request to see Fenster.
The statement said that no reason was provided for the filing of the charges against him.
Recently, the National Press Club announced that Fenster would receive the 2021 John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award, which honors journalists who pursue the truth despite difficult circumstances.
Myanmar's military seized power on February 1, sparking daily protests and massive civil disobedience. More than 850 civilians have been killed in a military crackdown across the country, local monitoring groups report.
As well, the country's press has been squeezed as the military chokes internet access and revokes licenses for local media outlets.
Since the military's takeover of power, dozens of journalists have been jailed, as well as its penal code amended to include spreading "fake news.".
recently, youth activists and others held marches in eastern Dawei, in Sagaing, and in Shwebo in northern Dawei province against the military-led government.

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