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.

“Since the coup, news outlets have been forcibly shut down, journalists have been arrested, tortured, and even killed. The junta-backed MPC has remained silent through it all. From its inaction, it is clear where it stands, who it serves, and whether it can truly claim to represent a free press,” said IPCM Chairperson Nan Phaw Gay.

The council also criticized Section 6 of the junta’s Law on Protection of the Multi-Party Democracy General Elections from Sabotage, saying it severely threatens freedom of expression and the right to peacefully express dissent.

“Violations of Section 6 are punishable by fines, prison terms, or even the death penalty. It criminalizes speech and creates an environment of fear that directly threatens public safety and the fundamental rights of citizens,” Nan Phaw Gay said.

In addition, the IPCM condemned the junta’s Cyber Security Law, enacted on 30 July, describing it as a legal weapon that infringes on digital rights, increases surveillance of political opponents, and gives the military wider powers to censor journalists and ethnic media.

The council further noted that, despite the junta’s recent declaration that the state of emergency has ended, it continues to erode rights protected under the 2017 Law on the Protection of Privacy and Personal Security of Citizens, passed under the National League for Democracy government. Arbitrary arrests and interrogations are still occurring, the IPCM said.

The IPCM consists of 40 independent media outlets, journalists, legal experts, and media professionals. It was formed to promote press freedom, protect access to information, uphold ethical journalism, and support the development of an independent media landscape in Myanmar.