July 28, 2021 04:58:07 pm
Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the military junta in Myanmar Tuesday to stop prosecuting journalists and added that punitive action against them is an assault on independent media.
The group pointed out the arbitrary arrest of 98 journalists, out of which 46 are still in detention. It also outlined the usage of the newly enacted section 505A of the penal code under which six journalists have been convicted so far. The law criminalizes the publication or circulation of comments that “cause fear” or spread fake news, which the authorities arbitrarily exploit as per their discretion.
HRW listed the names those who have been convicted and sentenced under section 505A of the penal code of Myanmar:
Myanmar: Junta Escalates Media Crackdown albawaba.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from albawaba.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Myanmar: Junta escalates media crackdown
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Release Journalists Wrongfully Detained, Sentenced
(Bangkok) – Myanmar’s military junta should stop prosecuting journalists and end its assault on independent media, Human Rights Watch said today, releasing a video about the media crackdown.
Since the February 1, 2021 coup, Myanmar’s junta has arrested 98 journalists, 46 of whom are currently in detention, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). Six journalists have been convicted, including five for violating section 505A of the penal code, a new provision that makes it a crime to publish or circulate comments that “cause fear” or spread “false news.” “Fake news” appears to be any news that the authorities do not want to reach the public.
Release Journalists Wrongfully Detained, Sentenced
(Bangkok) – Myanmar’s military junta should stop prosecuting journalists and end its assault on independent media, Human Rights Watch said today, releasing a video about the media crackdown.
Since the February 1, 2021 coup, Myanmar’s junta has arrested 98 journalists, 46 of whom are currently in detention, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). Six journalists have been convicted, including five for violating section 505A of the penal code, a new provision that makes it a crime to publish or circulate comments that “cause fear” or spread “false news.” “Fake news” appears to be any news that the authorities do not want to reach the public.
Journalists arrested, independent media shut down in Myanmar ifj.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ifj.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.