Mizzima-Nov 1
The freedom of expression group Athan said in a report that some resistance-held areas of Myanmar have weak protections for free expression, media freedom and accountable administration, based on four case studies. “Governance, Freedom of Expression, and Accountability in Revolutionary Territories” was launched at a seminar on 28 October and published on 30 October. Athan interviewed six people, including journalists, activists, free-expression analysts and administrators, and made 23 recommendations. Since the 2021 coup, resistance forces have taken control of large areas and taken on administration, courts and public services, the report says, and it asks how far those administrations protect basic rights and the public’s right to criticize those in power. Athan found that criticism is often met with restrictive orders, arbitrary detention, threats, online attacks and social pressure, including the fear of being labeled a dalan, the Burmese term for a military informant. It cites the detention or interrogation of a journalist from the Upper Burma News Agency in Madaya Township, a reporter from the Border News Agency in Rakhine State, and another journalist in Kachin State, and says such intimidation increases self-censorship. The report says restrictions are often justified by military security, revolutionary interests or preventing aid to the enemy. As an example, it points to Starlink restrictions in Singu Township, Mandalay Region, where users must register and face fines of up to 2 million kyats (about US$440). Athan says such restrictions must be necessary and proportionate. It also examined arrests of locals protesting rare earth mining in Kachin State and the detention of a policewoman who spoke out about gender-based violence in Yinmabin District, Sagaing Region, which it says show abuse of administrative power and missing accountability mechanisms. Read more at:
