Detroit Native Danny Fenster Freed From Myanmar Prison

MYANMAR — Former Detroit journalist Danny Fenster, who was sentenced to a Myanmar prison just days ago, was freed Monday morning, according to a former U.S. diplomat.

Bill Richardson, the former governor of New Mexico and U.S. diplomat, said he helped negotiate Fenster's release with General Min Aung Hlaing, who is the commander in chief of Myanmar’s military.

"This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work," Richardson said in a statement emailed from his office. "We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds."

Fenster, 37, will return to the United States over the next day and a half after being held in detention since his arrest on May 24, Richardson's statement said.

"We are overjoyed that Danny has been released and is on his way home – we cannot wait to hold him in our arms," his family said in a statement. “We are tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped secure his release, especially Ambassador Richardson, as well as our friends and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months.”

(2/2) …as well as our friends, family and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months. Thank you! #BringDannyHome
— Bryan Fenster (@bryanFenster) November 15, 2021

Fenster was recently sentenced to 11 years in prison after being found guilty on charges that stemmed from his news coverage in Myanmar Now, which included an incitement for allegedly spreading false or inflammatory information.