Myanmar lawyers study freedom of expression

More than 80 lawyers from the Myanmar Media Lawyers Network gathered to study international standards related to freedom of expression in Mandalay this month in an effort to become better equipped to support Myanmar’s legal reform process.

In a training organised by the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD), and the Myanmar Media Lawyers’ Network (MMLN), with the support of International Media Support (IMS), participants focused on issues of particular importance to Myanmar’s democratic transition, such as regulation of the print and broadcast media and criminal content restrictions.

In addition to an international perspective, the participants discussed specific freedom of expression threats facing Myanmar, including the need for reform of the country’s criminal defamation laws and laws prohibiting insults to religion, and the urgent need to put in place an independent system of broadcast regulation.

“It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the participants in applying their legal training to Myanmar’s freedom of expression challenges,” said CLD Executive Director Toby Mendel. “We are confident that lawyers in this city have a tremendous contribution to make in support of the country’s ongoing democratisation process.”

This was the first event held by the MMLN and CLD outside of Yangon, Myanmar’s capital. Its organisation was made possible through strong collaborative links with prominent lawyers in that city, notably U Thein Than Oo, who played a key facilitating role. Over forty of the attendees applied to join the MMLN and many expressed an interest in participating actively in the Network.

“As the media lawyer’s network continues to develop we are glad to see its reach expanding to Mandalay,” said Esben Harboe, Myanmar Programme Manager at IMS. “We hope the Network will become a truly national vehicle to support reform of Myanmar’s legal framework around freedom of expression.”