Media watchdogs criticise repeal of press freedoms

A statement of concern from the TJA comes as journalists from the Myanmar Thandawsint Journal were questioned by police on July 23, the latest in a number of cases of interrogation or charges against independent news publishers. The interrogation coincided with the harsh sentence for reporters, including the 10-year imprisonment term for four reporters of Unity Journal.

There has been mounting criticism by local and international media groups against what they say is a reversal of press freedoms granted by Thein Sein’s reformist government in a bid to silence critical voices.

In its July 23 statement, TJA said it was alarmed and deeply concerned with the July 10 court decision in Magway Division to sentence four journalists and the chief executive officer of Unity Journal to 10 years of hard labor for violating Section 3 of the 1923 State Secrets Act.

“It was even more disheartening to hear that other fellow journalists who were trying to express concern about this unjust imprisonment are to be charged under Section 18 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Act,” TJA president Pradit Ruangdit said in the statement.

“This signals a significant reversal of the progress of Myanmar’s fragile media freedom from previous advances in the past two years. We share our sympathy with victims of this unwelcome situation and express solidarity with the rest of the media community in protecting media freedom in Myanmar.

“We reiterate our firm belief that journalism is not a crime. And any lapse in professional code of conduct and ethics should be dealt within the framework of the new Press Law and with due respect of the Myanmar Constitution which guarantees freedom of express and freedom of the media and especially now that Myanmar has the Media Law that clearly spells out the media rights and responsibility.

We are ready to work with colleagues for promoting a free press environment in Myanmar and the rest of the region.”

Press freedom in Thailand itself is under threat after the National Council for Peace and Order took over the administration. NCPO last week demanded an end to all criticism, only to backtrack this week. TJA is now tasked to reprimand journalists who use false information against NCPO in their articles.

Earlier, Reporters Without Borders and World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) issued statements to condemn the Myanmar government.

“After considerable progress since 2012, the harsh sentences confirmed that Myanmar has done a U-turn on freedom of information,” Reporters Without Borders said in its statement.

International media watchdogs claim the government’s issuing of harsh penalties to reporters from Eleven Media, Democratic Voice of Burma and the Unity Journal over the last year represent the harsh reality of the current reforms in Myanmar.

Recently the government filed a case against reporters from the Bi Mon Te Nay Journal and charged another 50 reporters who staged a silent protest during a presidential visit.

US and UK officials have expressed their concerns over the government’s handling of the media.

Furthermore, the Committee to Project Journalists (CPJ) also strongly condemned the recent sentences and jailing of journalists and called on western countries to reconsider their support of the current regime. 

“The CPJ believes that western countries that have openly engaged President Thein Sein’s government should reconsider their aid and investment in light of this clear reversal of earlier reform commitments, including allowances for greater press freedom,” said the media watchdog.

There has also been criticism against the interim Myanmar Press Council for failing to provide effective protection and support to journalists. When meeting with the Minister for Information they were unable to negotiate on behalf of those facing court charges but instead talked about the government’s offer to arrange office space for them.

Previously, they have also faced severe criticism from journalists for accepting a Ks 50 million (US$50,000) donation from the president. There are loud demands to abolish the press council and establish a new one.