Myanmar’s Terrorism Financing Laws Criticized by Rights Groups

Kuala Lumpur, Myanmar - The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) has issued a scathing critique of Myanmar’s military regime for introducing an amendment to the country’s Counter-Terrorism Law in 2021. This amendment increased penalties for vaguely defined expressive acts linked to terrorism.

Vague Terms and Chilling Effect

The CLD argues that most of the terms used in these offenses are too vague to meet international human rights standards for restrictions on freedom of expression. “Increasing the penalties for them aggravates their chilling effect and is yet another illustration of the marked deterioration in respect for human rights in Myanmar since the coup,” said Toby Mendel, Executive Director of CLD.

Concerns over Free Speech and Abuse

The amended law targets “acts of exhortation, persuasion, propaganda, [and] recruitment of any person to participate in any terrorist group or activities of terrorism.” This has sparked concerns over the erosion of free speech and the potential for abuse.

Call for Repeal and Review

CLD is calling for the amendment to be repealed and for a review of problematic provisions in the Counter-Terrorism Law through a proper democratic consultative and legislative process when democracy is reinstated.

Access the Centre’s Note Online

You can access the CLD’s note on the amendment online.