A threat by Rangoon chief minister Myint Swe to prosecute news media that cover the current sectarian violence in the western state of Arakan in an irresponsible manner has highlighted the fragility of recent improvements in media freedom. Myint Swe issued his warning during a news conference on 10 June in which he accused the media “enflaming the conflict” in Arakan.
“This marks a very disturbing step backwards by the government in its dealings with the media, especially as Tint Swe had previously said the PSRD would cease to exist at the end of the month,” Reporters Without Borders and the its partner organization, the Burma Media Association, said. “The threat of criminal prosecutions against journalists and the reimposition of censorship are unacceptable.
“The latest developments have proved that freedom of information can in no way be taken for granted. We have for months been saying that this freedom cannot just be regarded as a consequence of democratization. It also as an essential condition for it. The current conflicts show this. A legal framework and protective measures for media freedom must be adopted. The role of the media in crises of this kind is essential. While they should be reminded of their duties and responsibilities, their right to report the news and move about freely must not be obstructed.”
As announced, the government has reestablished its strict control of news and information by means of prior censorship by the PSRD. Media that fail to submit their articles before publication will be punishable under the Printers and Publishers Registration Act, a law introduced by the late dictator Ne win.
The civilian government had announced changes to the legislation governing the media but they have yet to see the light of day.
2012.06.12 Reporters Without Borders media-accused-of-biased-coverage