Satellite TV banned in Myanmar

Myanmar has announced a ban on satellite TV receivers as the country’s citizens continue to protest against the country’s military coup.

All aspects of life in the country, including media, are being controlled by the junta. Mobile internet access has largely been cut off for more than 50 days in an attempt to stop protests, and satellite TV is the latest target of the military political group now running Myanmar. 

In a statement, the junta-controlled MRTV state TV said: “Satellite television is no longer legal. Whoever violates the television and video law, especially people using satellite dishes, shall be punished with one year imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 kyat (US$320). Illegal media outlets are broadcasting news that undermines national security, the rule of law and public order, and encouraging those who commit treason.”

Backing this up, the military-controlled newspaper Global New Light of Myanmar published a report which said that news agencies were broadcasting programmes that “harm the state security, the rule of law and community peace and tranquillity.”

While all media is now officially under military control, many outlets have been banned and have continued to operate in secret within the country. 

The junta faces near unanimous opposition in the country since overthrowing the democratically elected Aung San Suu Kyi. Suu Kyi has been detained since the coup, while more than 80 journalists have been arrested and thousands more citizens are facing imprisonment.

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