Myanmar ends media censorship

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 20 August 2012

Myanmar has lifted media censorship as part of a series of governmental reforms. This significant change allows local publications to operate without pre-approval from censors since August 20, 2012.

Summary

Myanmar has abolished censorship of its media, the information ministry announced on Monday, in the latest in a series of sweeping reforms by the country's nominally civilian government.

"Censorship for all local publications is lifted from August 20, 2012," according to a statement on the ministry's website.

Pre-publication censorship - applied in the past to everything from newspapers to song lyrics and even fairy tales - was one of the hallmarks of military rule which ended last year.

Media reforms have already brought a lighter touch from the once ubiquitous censors, with less controversial publications freed from scrutiny last year.

Political and religious journals were the last to be allowed to go to press without pre-approval from the censors starting from Monday.

Since taking office last year, President Thein Sein, a former general, has overseen dramatic changes such as the release of hundreds of political prisoners and the election of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to parliament. - AFP

KEY POINTS:

• Myanmar abolishes media censorship officially.
• Censorship lifted for local publications starting August 20, 2012.
• Political and religious journals can now publish freely.
• Reforms are part of changes implemented by President Thein Sein.
• Aung San Suu Kyi has been elected to parliament, signifying political progress.