There have been a number of positive developments in Burma with respect to the freedom of expression and opinion over the course of 2011 including some reductions in the level of censorship of the press, the loosening of restrictions on access to the Internet, and the recent release of political prisoners. However, while the international community has been focused on these openings, hundreds more individuals remain in prison solely for expressing their opinions and numerous obstacles continue to make it difficult for journalists and ordinary citizens in Burma to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and opinion […]
• • •A legal analysis of the cases of five Burmese video-journalists, who remain in prison despite the release of some 200 political prisoners by the Burmese government, discloses flagrant breaches of human rights. The Note, by the Centre for Law and Democracy, found widespread abuses of the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom from torture. The violations result from both the Burmese government’s abusive application of laws that restrict freedom of expression, and their capricious application of broader legislation to target political opponents […]
• • •More than six weeks following the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)’s elections to install a superficially civilian government dominated by the military and its allies, the reality on the ground in Burma has not changed for the better. The military regime continues to wage war against armed ethnic groups, the media, and the democratic forces working for progress. This repressive environment will undoubtedly remain in place as the same regime pursues identical oppressive policies from expensive new parliament buildings. Critics of the elections are asked again and again to “wait and see” before condemning the new parliament, but it begs the question: are the “pragmatic” supporters of the elections simply naïve? […]
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