Myanmar to scrap protest permits
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YANGON - A new peaceful assembly and procession bill, allowing demonstrators to protest without a permit, was submitted to the Upper House on May 5.
"It has been drafted in accord with the government's democratic principles. It will revise the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law enacted by the previous quasi-civilian government if Parliament approves it," said Dr Myat Nyana Soe, secretary of the Upper House’s Bill Committee.
The draft states that anyone wishing to protest must submit a request to police in each township where it will occur at least 48 hours before the event.
The police must provide protesters with protection against any obstacles and hindrance during their event. If protesters breach the rules, warnings will be given first. If ignored, the protest leaders can be charged.
Anyone who attempts to obstruct, upset, assault or bully peaceful protesters could face up to a year in prison or a fine of 100,000 kyats (approximately Bt2,997).
Protesters that breach their request letter face up to three months in jail or a 30,000-kyat ine or a year and 100,000 kyats for repeat offenders.
Only the township court where a demonstration took place can pass a judgement.
“If the new bill is approved, the 2011 Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law and its amendments will be cancelled,” Myat Nyana Soe said.
