Freedom of Expression Activist Organization 2019 Mid-year Report on Status of Freedom of Expression in Myanmar Executive Summary During the first six months of 2019, more than 250 people from different walks of lives – activists, students, journalists, artists, land-rights activists as well as citizens practicing their online free expression rights faced more than 70 lawsuits charged under different legislations and regulations. Among them, some are in jail waiting for trials without getting bails and some are already sentenced to long-term imprisonment. Besides, the general population in Myanmar encounters wide range of restrictions on their right to freedom of expression, including barring the events/ceremonies, restricting right to assembly and procession, shutting down internet connection, banning access to information and obstructing dissemination of news and information. Research Methodology Athan monitors and documents the incidents of free expression violations including the legal cases filed under the laws hindering the right to free expression. Athan conducted specific case studies, observed the judicial proceedings, protests and crackdowns. Interviews with all parties concerned and consultations with legal experts took place to support the research conclusions. The quantitative research method was applied in this research to analyze the legal cases during the research period and relevant supporting data. This report is an outcome of a thorough review process on all the collected data, and the report covers six months between January 1, 2019 and June 31, 2019. Photo credit - Myanmar Press Agency Page - 1