The practice of freedom

February 28th, 2013

The fight for freedom begins with freedom of speech, says Burma’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. This is one of a series of manifestos demanding a more outspoken world in the 40th anniversary issue of Index on Censorship

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“Welcome to Myanmar, Mr BBC”

August 12th, 2012

In 2007, Fergal Keane reported for Index on the near impossibility of working as a reporter in Burma. Returning in 2012, he found much had changed. But though the military is slowly loosening its grip, restrictions remain
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Burma: Aung San Suu Kyi returns to Europe for first time in 24 years

June 14th, 2012

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi arrived in Geneva today for the start of a 17-day tour of Europe, visiting the continent for the first time in 24 years. The politician, who returned to the southeast Asian country in 1988 and has led its pro-democracy movement, was restricted from leaving Burma for her speaking out against the country’s brutal military regime. During her trip, Suu Kyi will accept the Nobel Peace Prize she won in 1991, but could not collect at the time because of fears of being prevented from re-entering Burma. The activist was this year elected to the country’s Parliament.  

Burma’s media workers dare to dream of free expression

April 4th, 2012

The election of Aung San Suu Kyi was another step in Burma’s advance to democracy. But journalists are aware that the small gains made by the media could be taken back. Tom Fawthrop reports
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Burma: Aung San Suu Kyi’s broadcast is censored in poll runup

March 12th, 2012

Burma’s opposition leader has been banned from criticising previous governments in TV and radio election campaigns. Aung San Suu Kyi has said that government censors are not allowing her party to criticise previous military-run governments when it promotes its policies on state-run radio and television ahead of next month’s elections. Suu Kyi’s statement will be broadcast on 14 and 22 March, and will be the first time the opposition leader has been given the opportunity to use the state media to promote her party.

Burma: Film festival to test promised freedom

January 2nd, 2012

A film festival featuring Burma’s leading artists and dissidents will test the regime’s commitment to reform. Wei Mar reports
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Burma: Censorship rules eased for some local media

December 12th, 2011

Censorship on many business and crime publications in Burma has been eased, but news titles are to be kept under strict regulations. Following changes introduced last week, 54 journals, magazines and books will no longer have to submit their content to censors prior to publication. News media will still be subject to the same pre-publication censorship, which is said to be the most restrictive in the world, although officials have advised this too will be eased in time. Images of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi are now permitted in the media.

Aung San Suu Kyi free!

November 13th, 2010

The Burmese pro-democracy activist has been freed from house arrest. Here, we republish an article first published in Index on Censorship in 1993

PLUS: Read Aung San Suu Kyi’s speech “Freedom From Fear”, here
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