Independent press council condemns Myanmar junta’s press council and repressive laws

Mizzima

The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) has strongly condemned the Myanmar Press Council (MPC), the military junta’s recently enacted cybersecurity law, and its law on safeguarding general elections from sabotage – calling them tools to suppress media freedom and public expression.

In a statement released this last week, the IPCM accused the junta-controlled MPC of serving solely to advance the interests of the regime, rather than protect journalistic freedom or support media workers.

“The MPC, which functions under the junta’s State Security and Peace Commission, exists not to represent the media but to whitewash the regime’s agenda,” the IPCM said.

According to the IPCM, the military regime is using the MPC as a propaganda tool to convince neighbouring countries, international press organizations, and foreign media councils that its planned elections will be free and fair – despite widespread repression.