A Chance to Fix in Time: Analysis of Freedom of Expression in Four Years Under the Current Government
government’s ignorance of civil society’s demand to restore the internet in Chin
State and Rakhine State as it is important for all of the people across the country to
get health awareness and information promptly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Continuing Arrests through Using Unjust Laws
The ongoing arrests of civilian protesters under the “democratic” government show
the situations under current government and military junta are the same. Arrests of
students in Rakhine State for demanding an end to internet shutdown; police’s
denial of permission for students to organise protests calling for the peace and end
of civil; arrests and prosecutions of dissidents who are against the government and
the Tatmadaw. Meanwhile, Naw Ohn Hla’s case in which she was prosecuted for
using the term “Karen Martyr’s Day” in an event, also proves that discussion on
ethnic affairs is still fragile alike under the previous government.
Similarly, in terms of media freedom, prosecutions against covering and reporting
under several legal provisions including Unlawful Associations Act and Counter
Terrorism Law; prosecution of two Reuters journalists Under Burma Official Secrets
Act for uncovering the massacre in Inn Din village in Rakhine State are eroding the
main foundation of democracy.
Based on the aforementioned facts, the incumbent government led by NLD does not
acknowledge the importance of freedom of expression, a fundamental right of
human rights, freedom of assembly, procession and media freedom, main parts of
democracy.
51
Chapter (6): Executive Summary