"ARTICLE 19 shares the Special Rapporteur?s alarm that the ?repressive practices of previous military governments are returning as the norm once more”, with crackdowns on freedom expression creating ?a culture of fear, silence and self-censorship. ”This retrogression contradicts many of the specific recommendations this Council directed to the government of Myanmar last year in Resolution 34/22.In the context of alleged acts of genocide and crimes against humanity, the government?s attempts to control the free flow of information must be recognised as dangerous, undermining any possible efforts to prevent further violations, as well as prospects for accountability, for truth and reconciliation, and for the eventual safe return of refugees.We condemn, in particular, the targeting of journalists and others reporting on events in conflict affected areas. Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo face up to 14 years imprisonment if convicted under the Official Secrets Act for reporting on a massacre of Rohingya civilians. In October 2017, two Kachin individuals were convicted under the Unlawful Associations Act for assisting journalists reporting on armed conflict in Shan State..."