Malaysia: End harassment of civil society
Malaysian authorities must stop harassing peaceful protesters, human rights defenders, and activists, said ARTICLE 19. The police have initiated investigations into ten individuals under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act in relation to their peaceful protest activities in recent weeks. Additionally, two artists have been investigated for their online activism. The Malaysian government should reform the Peaceful Assembly Act to bring it into compliance with international human rights law and take steps to ensure that all Malaysians enjoy the rights to freedom of expression and assembly in practice.
“New investigations are being opened against activists and artists at a shocking pace,” said Matthew Bugher, ARTICLE 19’s Head of Asia Programme. “This latest wave of cases demonstrates the authorities’ determination to control public discourse and suffocate dissent.”
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Myanmar cybersecurity law worries rights groups
Associated Press
A draft cybersecurity law to be implemented in Myanmar has raised protests that it will be used to quash dissent rather than protect privacy.
Human rights advocates issued statements Friday urging the country s military leaders to drop the plan and end internet disruptions that have intensified since a Feb. 1 coup.
The draft law shows the military s intent to “permanently undermine internet freedom in the country,” said Matthew Bugher, head of the Asia program for the group Article 19, which issued a statement condemning the plan along with the Open Net Association and the International Commission of Jurists.