A Chance to Fix in Time: Analysis of Freedom of Expression in Four Years Under the Current Government
5.1.6
Organisers of Kayin Martyr Day Event Threatened to Sue
By claiming that 68th anniversary of Kayin Martyr Day was held on August 12, 2018, in
Hinthada township, Irrawaddy Region without permission, the deputy administrator of
Hinthada district came to deter the event saying that they would take legal actions against
Phada Mahn Nyen Maung, a member of KNU’s CEC and other five local organisers under
Section 26 of Ward and Village Administration Law.
5.1.7
Women and Literature Talk Restrained
The administrator of No.6 quarter of Mayangone township restrained “Women and
Literature” talk program which was scheduled to be held in commemoration of
International Literacy Day on September 9, 2018, at No. 6 quarter’s Dhamma hall,
Mayangone township, Yangon Region. The administrator said the organisers need to submit
an official request for permission. The talk was organised by HARP (Peace Process Based on
Public Activities) and the panelists were Pandora, a writer and poet and Ma Khin Lay Nge,
the director of Phan Tee Eain.
5.1.8
Private Hall Banned for Organising Events As It Hosted A Press Conference
The General Administration Department of Yamethin township officially prevent a private
hall called Amay Htwe Hall which is located in the Shwesigone area, in Yamethin township,
Mandalay Region, from hosting any ceremonies and event since August 13, 2018, alleging
the hall hosted a press conference which was held without permission. In June 2018, the
W.COM Company opened a free basic computer training at the Community Center of
Information and Public Relations Central Department of Yamethin District. The class was
banned a week before to complete on August 1, thus they organised a press conference at
Amay Htwe Hall regarding the ban.
The general administration department of Yamethin township sent an official letter to hall
owners, on August 10, 2018, in which it is stated that the halls cannot host public events
including religious events, meeting, literature events, brand promotions, music
entertainments events, public discussion events and opening ceremonies of road and
bridges without permission; and if they do not follow this regulation, they will be punished
in accordance existing laws. Let alone political activities, the public cannot gather even for
religious and social affairs, without getting permission from regional governments, and it is
the same situation compared with conditions of military Junta, resulting in deformities to
the democracy principles.
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Chapter (5): Deterring, Restricting, Orders, Instructions and Free Speech