Channel Mandalay reporter Win Naing Oo is currently being prosecuted under Section 50(a)
of the Counter-Terrorism Law instead of the original lawsuit under Section 505 (a). Zeyar
Times reporters De Myat Nyein and Pyae Phyo Aung have been charged under Section 52 (a)
of the Counter-Terrorism Law in addition to the earlier charges under Section 505 of the Penal
Code.
3.1.d. Applying the Unlawful Association for Prosecuting Journalists
SAC prosecuted some journalists under sections 17/1 and 17/2 in the Unlawful Associations
Act (1908).
Section 17/1 of this act states the offenses that being a member, taking part in meetings,
contributing, or soliciting contribution, managing, assisting, or promoting meetings of unlawful
associations declared by SAC. Section 17/1 could be punishable by imprisonment for not less
than two years and not more than three years. BBC Media Action’s presenter Htet Htet Khaing
currently faces charges under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Article 17/1 of the Unlawful
Associations Act.
Mizzima News Agency’s co-founder Thin Thin Aung and an office staff James Pu Htaung
were also charged under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Unlawful Associations Act 17/1.
They were released on an amnesty on 18th October.
Myaylatt Athan’s founder confirmed that a case was filed against their media under Section
505 of the Penal Code and Section 17/1 of the Unlawful Associations Act.
3.1.e. Applying the Explosive Substance Act for Prosecuting Journalists
Two journalists face charges under Section 5 of the Explosive Substance Act (1908). The
section is punishable with transportation for up to fourteen-year imprisonment or fiver-year
imprisonment, to which a fine may be added.
Thingangyun Post editor Htet Htet Aung (aka Htet Htet) and journalist Wai Lin face lawsuits
charged under Section 5 of the Explosive Substance Act of 1908 and sections under the
Counter-Terrorism Act.
Up to date, two journalists have been charged under that section.
3.1.f. Applying the Amended Television and Radio Broadcasting Law
for Prosecuting Journalists
The SAC passed the second amendment to the Television and Radio Broadcasting Law on 1st
November. Its Section 2 (a) was amended to include “(broadcasting via) any other technology.”
Moreover, Sections 96, 97, 98, and 99 were amended with extended imprisonments and
increased fines, or both.
Repeated Dark Age of News Media
19