Wednesday, 30 January 2013 11:50 Mizzima News
The Burmese government has lifted a ban on public gatherings of more than five people, according to Burma’s state-run Myanma Ahlin newspaper on Tuesday.
The report said that Order No 2/88 was abolished as it was not in line with a section of the Constitution that guarantees basic rights such as freedom of expression.
Order 2/88 was laid down in September 1988 on the day a military junta took power after crushing nationwide pro-democracy protests.
The order had declared: "Gathering or marching in processions and delivering speeches on the streets by a group of 5 or more people are banned."
A Peaceful Assembly Law was implemented in December 2011 to allow public protests. However, it was decreed that official permission to gather or march must be obtained in advance. Several cases have already arisen where protesters have been detained for not having permits, and several activists face lengthy prison terms if convicted.
Related articles:
5 Rangoon - Laiza peace marchers charged
Mandalay monks vow to protest every day
Copper mine protesters arrested and charged
The Burmese government has lifted a ban on public gatherings of more than five people, according to Burma’s state-run Myanma Ahlin newspaper on Tuesday.
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| About 50 people, led by members of Generation Wave, stage a protest to mark International Human Rights Day on the morning of Monday, December 10, by marching from City Hall in Rangoon and circumambulating Sule Pagoda. The demonstrators said they were protesting against the crackdown on November 29 on Buddhist monks and activists at the Monywa copper mine site in Sagaing. (Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima) |
The report said that Order No 2/88 was abolished as it was not in line with a section of the Constitution that guarantees basic rights such as freedom of expression.
Order 2/88 was laid down in September 1988 on the day a military junta took power after crushing nationwide pro-democracy protests.
The order had declared: "Gathering or marching in processions and delivering speeches on the streets by a group of 5 or more people are banned."
A Peaceful Assembly Law was implemented in December 2011 to allow public protests. However, it was decreed that official permission to gather or march must be obtained in advance. Several cases have already arisen where protesters have been detained for not having permits, and several activists face lengthy prison terms if convicted.
Related articles:
5 Rangoon - Laiza peace marchers charged
Mandalay monks vow to protest every day
Copper mine protesters arrested and charged
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