(CNN) -- The Thai navy has filed criminal charges against two journalists over a report tying military personnel to human trafficking. The criminal defamation and computer crimes charges against the reporters from Phuketwan -- a news website in the province of Phuket -- relate to the July 17 article that included information from a Reuters investigative piece that alleged some Thai naval forces have been profiting from the smuggling of ethnic Rohingya migrants fleeing violence in neighboring Myanmar. According to the charge sheet, the navy accuses the journalists of knowingly publishing false information and committing slander. If found guilty, veteran Australian journalist and editor of Phuketwan, Alan Morison as well as reporter Chutima Sidasathian, a Thai citizen, could face up five years behind bars.
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Thai navy files criminal defamation and computer criminal charges against journalists
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Phuketwan cited a Reuters' report implicating authorities in trafficking Rohingya migrants
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Human Rights Watch warns the move will curtail media freedom in Thailand
@placeholder, although a small organization, has become known for its investigations into allegations of abuse against Rohingya people in Thailand and corruption on the island of Phuket.