Democratic elections require robust public debate in order to be free and fair. Media freedom, including the freedom to investigate, access, and publish information without restriction, is a prerequisite for such debate. Only a free media can ensure that political parties, leaders, and their promises
“We are very happy to see Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo freed after 18 months of imprisonment. This is a great day for them and their families. So many people in Myanmar and worldwide will be celebrating their release,” said FEM Director, Yin Yadanar
The freedom by which the media can investigate, access, and publish information, particularly that which is critical, is one of the best ways to measure the level of democracy in a country. Journalists know best how much freedom the media has, and can compare their
FEM welcomes the military’s withdrawal today of criminal complaints against eight journalists, journalist sources and human rights defenders. The criminal provisions in the Penal Code, Telecommunications Law, and Unlawful Association Law, used to charge the eight people are not acceptable under international standards on the
Supreme Court justices and staff were interested in the experience of the UK government and the investigation into media regulation by the senior judge Leveson.Leveson: Context UK licencing ended in 1695 to promote free media. Only general laws e.g. defamation.Accusation of “Power without responsibility” in phone-hacking
In a workshop with the Supreme Court and Attorney General’s Office, FEM explained why press council complaints mechanisms are so important.Good for journalistsProtects good journalists.Judges them on professional mistakes.Reduces risk of slow, expensive court process.Good for mediaImproves public credibility of media.Improves competition between media companies
A UN letter sent in June 2015 to the Myanmar government protesting illegitimate criminal charges brought against journalists, has finally been published. FEM staff supported the Special Rapporteurs in collecting information for the letter. The letter (MMR6/2016) raised serious concerns about the cases of these
The News Media Law was created partly to protect journalists in a country with no constitutional guarantee for media freedom and no government will to amend the many laws criminalising journalism. Unfortunately the law only partially protects media freedom and fails to guarantee journalists’ rights.