As mentioned before, Burma is slowly becoming more democratic and the Burmese Military Government is stepping down gradually. A civilian government has been named, but not establish completely. And while this transition is still in progress, there are many laws and restrictions that are still active as part of the military government. One of those restrictions is the freedom of communication. The Military Government punishes video journalist and anybody that sends information outside the country that is consider unlawful by the Military Government.
Many video journalists are currently imprisoned and accused under laws like the Electronic Act witch bans the citizens of Burma to send information and limiting the use of the internet. Anybody that violates this law can be imprisoned for a maximum of 20 years.
It is unbelievable how some of these laws even exist today. The restrictions of information, not only keeps the world uniformed about what is going on in Burma, but also affects their own citizens by limiting their rights of knowledge. According to the Video Law, one must have a license to have recording equipment. These laws limit the press to not show the cruelty of the military power. In addition many of the natural disasters that constantly occur in this area are not informed to the world.
Sources
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YESV-xyjQVQ (Free Burma VJ Campaign) – This video talks about some of the video journalist that are currently imprisoned. It also shows some footage of the Military Government cruelty.
http://freeburmavj.org/news-and-report/media-burma - More information about media restrictions and laws in Burma.
