"We strongly condemn the regime's sentencing of Danny Fenster. The ruling today represents an unjust conviction of an innocent person," a State Department spokesperson said.

"We are closely monitoring Danny's situation and will continue to work for his immediate release," he said.

"Journalism is not a crime. Free and independent media is indispensable to building prosperous, resilient and free societies. "

Danny Fenster, who had been working for local outlet Frontier Myanmar for around a year, was arrested in May as he tried to leave the country to see his family.