A Chance to Fix in Time: Analysis of Freedom of Expression in Four Years Under the Current Government advanced democracies, political figures, parliamentarians and members of political parties do not respond to criticism with prosecutions. Celebrities and public figures may respond to wrong accusations or disinformation through the media or some ways that can reach to the public easily. Hence, elected representatives rather should attempt for legal reform and respect human rights themselves to head towards advanced democracy instead of violating and hindering the people’s right to freedom of expression by means of power they gain as a representative. Laws Were Not Amended Effectively There is no effective abolishment or amendment of laws that are used to violate freedom of expression in the current term of NLD-led government. Recently adopted Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens and National Record and Archive Law also restrict the freedom of expression. Moreover, Hluttaw ignored the presence of other repressive laws and legal provisions that should be abolished such as Section 505 (a), (b), 124(a) of the Penal Code, Electronic Transactions Law, Section 17(1) of Unlawful Associations Act, Section 66(d), 68(a), 77 and 78 of Telecommunications Law. Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law, News Media Law and Printing and Publishing Enterprise Law did not meet amendment pursuant with international human rights standards democracy principles as those laws should be done. Furthermore, Right to Information Law which is highly demanded by journalists and civil society organisations has not arrived at the Hluttaw even as a drafted bill. Internet Shutdown and Blocked Websites People’s right to seek, access and know information and media freedom are violated under the NLD-led government who calls themselves “democratic government” particularly in internet shutdown in Rakhine and Chin States. Surveys show that every single civilian has their economic, social, medical and educational rights violated because the government cut off the internet in conflict-torn States with an excuse of national security. The government ordered the telecommunications operators to block more than 200 websites. The blocked websites included some official news media agencies although the government and telecommunications operators did not announce the list of blocked websites. The worst thing is the 50 Chapter (6): Executive Summary

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