Room for presidential amnesty
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President Thein Sein implied that he may invoke his constitutional rights to extend amnesty to journalists, as the handling of media professionals has faced growing criticisms.
In his statement on Thursday, he said that the Section 204 of the 2008 Constitution empowers the government to deal with media professionals.
It followed a legislative inquiry raised on Tuesday, to find out if the government is trying to suppress press freedom.
The section prescribes the presidential power to grant pardon and amnesty in accordance with the recommendation for the National Defence and Security Council.
In his statement, Thein Sein said his government was paying special attention to the media development. He was pleased that Myanmar’s press freedom ranks at the top in Southeast Asia. The people’s rights have been enshrined in Sections 353 and 354. Under the relevant provisions, the people reject ill-intentioned writing and expression as well as unlawful activities. Human society can be peaceful and tranquil only under the rule of law.
He went on to state that Myanmar suffered from tarnished image following violence incidents. In this regard, the public want media “to be responsible, accountable and honourable without bias”.
He noted that there are several agencies involved. Reporters were convicted by a court for violating the Officials Secrets Act, he said, referring to the Unity Journal case. He noted that the government has no power over the judicial process, but it could exercise the power accordingly to the Section 204 after the verdict.
Under his leadership, he said he wanted to ensure the rule of law and that anxiety over law enforcement was unwarranted for law-abiding citizens because his government would ensure fairness to every individual and organisation.
He said Information Minister AungKyi had met with the Myanmar Press Council (Interim) to clarify the government’s position on medial handling.
The Unity Journal verdict stirred a series of protests, which led to more arrests.
On Friday, about 20 journalists in the northern part of Magway Region staged a rally, demanding for the release of their detained colleagues.
Ten days earlier, a protest took place near the site, leading to a reprimand to the local police chief and the township administration office.
