Mumbai: The Myanmar junta imposed a ban on satellite television to existing restrictions on the internet and media, tightening its grip over the information in the country.
On May 4, 2021, the ruling State Administration Council announced that anyone using satellite dishes to watch television faces up to one year in prison or a fine of K500,000 (US$320).
The military junta claimed that ‘illegal organizations and news agencies were broadcasting programs via a satellite that threaten state security.
The ban is targeted at independent Burmese language broadcasters such as the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) and Mizzima, who have continued broadcasting via satellite since the cancellation of their operating licenses in June.
The ban will also affect foreign news channels broadcast via satellite into Myanmar.
“The satellite TV ban is a blatant attempt to deny access to independent news broadcasts and further isolate Myanmar’s people,” said Linda Lakhdhir, Asia legal advisor.
“The junta should immediately withdraw its outrageous blanket censorship and end its relentless assault on news reporting,” he added.
“The Myanmar junta’s increasingly desperate efforts to block those inside the country from accessing independent news and information won’t hide the truth about its ongoing violations of rights,” Lakhdhir said.
“Concerned governments should use their wide array of tools, including arms embargos and targeted sanctions, to pressure the junta to end its rights abuses and bring those responsible to account.”
Meanwhile, the authorities have imposed severe restrictions on the internet, making it very difficult for people to access or to share information. Mobile internet data and wireless broadband have been turned off for more than six weeks, and Facebook and other social media platforms popular in Myanmar have been blocked.
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