New Delhi (Mizzima) – A sense of insecurity is developing among Internet users in Burma after seeing the long prison terms given to dissidents charged under the Electronic Law.
Internet users are growing increasingly concerned for their security after many dissidents, including blogger Nay Phone Latt, comedian Zarganar and sports columnist Zaw Thet Htwe, were given up to 45 years for their cases dealing with the Electronic Law.
"It is insecure. I feel very much upset. Now we have to delete everything after sending our mails and files. They [the regime] should not punish the people for just using the Internet. They themselves are using the Internet also," a blogger from Burma said on condition of anonymity.
Nevertheless, famous comedian Zarganar still found the courage to crack a joke at the trial court during his sentencing, chaffing: "I am sentenced to 45 years imprisonment with a three 'I' case. I was sent to Insein prison for using the Internet to study IT," his sister-in-law Ma Nyein related.
Similarly, three farmers from Natmauk Township in Magwe Division were charged under the Electronic Law in October of this year for lodging a complaint with the International Labor Organisation regarding the seizure of their farmlands.
An editor of a weekly journal said they too are in danger, as the Internet is a critical tool for them during their routine day's work.
"Generally it is dangerous. Media personnel have to visit all news websites. But it depends on which sites you are visiting. If the sites are legally approved websites, there will be no problem," an editor of a weekly journal commented.
"We visit only approved websites," he added.
The Electronic Law has become one of the principle instruments employed by the regime in attempting to quell opposition forces by charging them with lengthy prison terms for allegedly disseminating fabricated news to tarnish the image of the State and authorities.
However, Thai-based Burma Media Association (BMA) Secretary San Moe Wei said that most of the dissidents given long prison terms under this law did not commit any crimes, as the specifics of their cases were framed by authorities – the law merely being abused in an attempt to intimidate Internet users.
"This is a repressive law designed to suppress and intimidate dissidents, journalists and political activists who wish to see political change," he said.
Yet, there are still some individuals who are intent on defying the repressive law and the corresponding harsh prison terms.
"Whatever they do to intimidate us, we will continue with our work; work that should be done," a blogger from Burma said.
