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Alerts - Burma

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Burma

Sorting out sanctions, censorship, sincerity

The Burmese government has flip-flopped on media regulations in the past few days, a troubling indicator that there might be no media policy at all in place, CPJ notes.

Burma

Government to end prior censorship

The government will form a press council to advise on media laws and ethnics, Information Minister Kyaw Hsan told journalists on 14 May.

Burma

By-election shows greater respect for press freedom, says IPI

IPI said it welcomes civil society's participation in the media reform process.

Burma

Wary about Burma? So are others

Amid the rush to see changes in Burma as an inexorable move toward full democracy CPJ has maintained a healthy skepticism about media reform.

Burma

Censors issue warnings to two political journals

The government's Press Scrutiny and Development Division summoned the editors of the journals after they published material said to be critical of the government.

Burma

Mining ministry to sue "The Voice" weekly magazine

The weekly magazine is being targeted for having published a report on the misuse of funds in connection with the sale of a copper mine.

Burma

New law on demonstrations falls short, says Human Rights Watch

The new law on assembly rejects the previous ban on demonstrations, but still allows the government to trump the people's basic rights based on vague criteria such as being " contrary to Union security, prevalence of law and order, community peace and tranquility or public order and morality."

Burma

Government construction engineer sues "Modern Journal"

The libel suit was filed against the journal after it published a news article about damaged roads and bridges in Thabeikkyin Township.

Burma

IFJ concerned that new media law may fail to ensure press freedom

The draft law was introduced in January at a media workshop although participants were not given the opportunity to thoroughly discuss the substance of the law.

Burma

All DVB journalists, freelancers and blogger freed under amnesty

The amnesty, which includes the release of high-profile blogger Nay Phone Latt, appears to not have the approval of the influential National Defence and Security Council.

Burma

Censor board authorises publication of interviews with exiled media figures

"The government is trying to sell their image. It is the first impression people will have (. . .) They want to make it appear that they've abolished all things of the past and are now doing their best," said one Rangoon editor.

Burma

Three writers released under amnesty

Two writers and one journal office administrator were included among political prisoners released on 12 October 2011 under the country's presidential amnesty.

Burma

Comedian Zargana and at least 120 other political prisoners released

The release of the political prisoners should be followed by reforms to ensure respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, says Human Rights Watch.

Burma

Many news websites unblocked; 17 journalists and three netizens still held

With the Democratic Voice of Burma and "Irrawaddy" now accessible, RSF calls for the release of their imprisoned reporters.

Burma

Jailed photojournalist sentenced to 10 more years in prison

Sithu Zeya, 23, has already been sentenced to eight years in prison for taking pictures of a bomb explosion at the Rangoon water festival in 2010.

Burma

Suu Kyi withdraws article slated for publication following harassment from censorship board

The opposition leader withdrew the article after the censorship board asked that several paragraphs be deleted prior to publication.

Burma

Former military officer sentenced to ten years in prison under Electronics Act

In a 26 August closed hearing, Nay Myo Zin was sentenced to ten years in prison for alleged possession of an e-mail critical of the military.

Burma

Imprisoned photojournalist faces extended jail term

A Rangoon court has rejected an appeal by Sithu Zeya and as a result the photojournalist faces another seven to 15 years in prison.

Burma

Political artist, hip hop singer banned from performing at charity event

Police from the township of Mingalar Taung Nyunt informed the event's organizer that if Zay Yar Thaw were to perform the permit for the event would be revoked.

Burma

Traditional dance troupes face additional restrictions

All dance troupes who wish to make a video of a performance are now required to perform a full-dress rehearsal in front of censorship board officials.

Burma

Australian editor convicted, released

Ross Dunkley, founder and editor of the "Myanmar Times" newspaper, was convicted of assault and set free for time already spent in detention.

Burma

Publications exempt from prior censorship still receive warnings from Information Ministry

A division of the Information Ministry warned some newspapers and magazines, including a medical journal, that some articles were culturally inappropriate.

Burma

Over 175 publications free to publish without prior approval

A newly announced policy will allow 178 journals and magazines, in six categories, to publish stories without prior submission to the censorship board for approval.

Burma

Five journalists among political prisoners amnestied by government

Many journalists continue to be held in appalling conditions in jails throughout the country however, including 17 from the Democratic Voice of Burma.

Burma

Video coverage of Rangoon regional government press conferences banned

The ban was probably imposed as a result of actions by the Norway-based media group, Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), which broadcast the government's first press conference on 10 May 2011, according to Mizzima News.

Burma

Surveillance of media and Internet stepped up under new civilian president

Thein Sein promised to "respect the role of the media" but heavy jail sentences for journalists, the suspension of newspapers and police raids on Internet cafés show that there has been no let-up in controls and intimidation.

Burma

Authorities announce lifting of censorship among certain publications

The press censorship policy has been relaxed in accordance with the new Constitution although news and articles about politics and business will still be subject to the censorship board's approval.

Burma

Australian editor released on bail, faces trial

Ross Dunkley was released on US$11,780 bail because he required treatment for a heart condition, news reports said.

Burma

Government ally takes over newspaper after arrest of publisher

A former pro-government political party candidate replaced Ross Dunkley less than a week after he was arrested on immigration-related charges.

Burma

Australian publisher detained on immigration-related charges

Ross Dunkley's detention comes amid tense negotiations over future ownership and leadership of the "Myanmar Times".

Burma

Video journalist sentenced to 13 years in prison

Maung Maung Zeya was sentenced to five years under the Unlawful Association Act, one year for illegally crossing the border and seven years under the Electronics Act.

Burma

Two publications suspended for publishing "indecent photos"

"Monitor" and "Hello" were suspended for two weeks and one week, respectively, after covering the wedding reception of popular film stars.

Burma

Publisher released from prison after serving full sentence

Aung Kyaw San had been sentenced to two years in prison in relation to his volunteer work helping search for and burying corpses in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.

Burma

Photographer sentenced to eight years in prison

According to Sithu Zeya's legal adviser, no evidence or testimony was presented at his trial and the judges reached their verdict based on a confession extracted under torture.

Burma

Censor board limits publication of Suu Kyi stories, photos

Several journals have been refused permission to publish feature stories or interviews with the recently-released opposition leader.

Burma

Military authorities ban artists for backing Suu Kyi, satirising government officials

No end date was given on the ban that prevents eight radio stations from interviewing or broadcasting the works of more than 11 performers.

Burma

More publications suspended following Aung San Suu Kyi's release

At least 10 publications have been sanctioned for "paying too much attention" to the release of Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Burma

Junta uses Internet upgrade to centralise and reinforce online controls

Billed by the military government as a huge step forward, the new infrastructure will almost certainly be used to reinforce surveillance and repression of Internet users, RSF said.

Burma

Suu Kyi release spotlights remaining political prisoners, says Human Rights Watch

Aung San Suu's Kyi's release comes soon after the 7 November elections in Burma that the ruling junta designed to entrench military rule with a civilian façade.

Burma

Japanese journalist and two Burmese journalists freed

Toru Yamaji, head of the Tokyo-based APF news agency, was arrested for entering the country without a visa.

Burma

Japanese journalist, two Burmese reporters arrested

Toru Yamaji was reportedly taken by helicopter to the Burmese capital for questioning by military intelligence.

Burma

Military moves to seal off country for 7 November election

As censorship is tightened, new jail sentences are being passed on Burmese journalists and foreign reporters are being banned from covering the elections.

Burma

Jailed blogger manages to send poems written in his cell

RSF appeals to the military government to release Nay Phone Latt, a young blogger who has been detained since January 2008.

Burma

Junta accused of slowing, cutting Internet services ahead of elections

Internet users are having their connections cut regularly and when working, they slow to a crawl, according to cybercafé owners and surfers.

Burma

Private publications instrumental in opposition political parties' election campaigns

Amid the country's notoriously heavy censorship, the local independent media have been able to exercise relative fairness in reporting ahead of the November 2010 elections.

Burma

Editor sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment

Nyi Nyi Tun was arrested on suspicion of having connections with a series of bomb blasts that rocked Rangoon in October 2009.

Burma

Government censors political parties' election campaigns

The junta's electoral watchdog has refused permits for at least three political parties seeking to campaign on state-run radio and television, claiming the transcripts contained messages that could harm the state.

Burma

Magazine's websites hacked

On a mirror site set up by "Irrawaddy", the magazine said the cyber attack coincides with the third anniversary of the "Saffron Revolution", the monk-led protest in Burma.

Burma

Editors secure release of reporter detained over coverage of flooding

Aung Thu Nyein had been detained for two days for refusing to sign a pledge that he would stop taking photos of flood damage in Magway Division.

Burma

Journalist arrested for taking pictures of flooded areas

Aung Thu Nyein is being held in detention until he agrees to sign a pledge promising not to take any more photos.

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