Some Karen political leaders have called for the Burmese Government to abolish Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law because it can be used to suppress journalists and political activists.
The Karen National Party (KNP) General Secretary Mann Kyaw Nyein pointed out that when the previous U Thein Sein government was in power the National League for Democracy (NLD) had called for repressive laws, including Article 66(d), to be abolished. If these laws continue to be enforced they might restrict the ability of media, journalists and the public to report and discuss truthful stories.
He said: “The NLD called for the abolishing of Article 66(d) during the previous U Thein Sein administration. If the NLD government continues to use this article it would be as if the NLD is going back on its word.
Saw Kyi Linn, the Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party (PSDP) General Secretary and a former Karen State Minister of Electric Power and Industry said that Article 66(d) was drafted by the former military government and it needs to be abolished because it is an obstacle on Burma’s path to democracy.
He said to KIC News: “No media will dare to criticise the [Burmese] government if it continues to enforce this Article. I believe it should be abolished.”
U Myint Kyaw, a Myanmar Press Council member, said that Article 66(d) threatens freedom of speech and that it needs to be amended because accused people can be immediately detained and the sentences allowed against people who violate Article 66(d) are harsh.
He said: “This Article needs to be amended immediately. It should not be enforced before it is amended. Journalists and citizens are suffering because of this article.”
Even the Transport and Telecommunications Union Minister, U Thant Sin Maung, expressed dissatisfaction with Article 66(d) when journalists questioned him about it at the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) in Naypyidaw on 23 November.
Eleven Media Group’s CEO Dr Than Htut Aung and their chief editor Ko Wai Phyo were charged under article 66(d) and imprisoned by the Burmese Government on 11 November.
International organisations, news agencies, writer’s associations and civil society organisations have been calling on the Burmese Government to abolish Article 66(d).
Reporting by Saw Nyunt Thaung for KIC
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI
