National News

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• Parliament votes to scrap Emergency Provisions Act
• Wa and Mongla reported to clash as tensions in Shan continue to escalate
• Dutch tourist’s verdict due October 6
• As tech spreads, Myanmar women become victims of ‘revenge porn’
• Illicit drug use helps fuel domestic violence: activists
• After earthquake, Bagan knuckles down on restoration and heritage bid
• Illegal foreign-run businesses in Yangon MPs’ crosshairs
• Activists demand reform of National Education Law before by-laws sink in
• Kandawgyi Park helium balloon project garners objections
• New add-ons to ancient pagodas slated for demolition

Parliament votes to scrap Emergency Provisions Act Posted: 05 Oct 2016 03:18 AM PDT Parliament voted today to abolish the Emergency Provisions Act, which was widely applied by the former military government to stifle political activists by threatening harsh penalties, including a potential death sentence for leaking state secrets.

Wa and Mongla reported to clash as tensions in Shan continue to escalate Posted: 04 Oct 2016 11:39 PM PDT Pitting allies against each other, two of Myanmar's strongest ethnic armed organisations have reportedly engaged in military hostilities. The aggression has shocked domestic peace observers and political analysts who perceive the clashes as exposing a long-extant rift between the two pro-China factions, each operating out of their own enclaves in Shan State.

Dutch tourist’s verdict due October 6 Posted: 04 Oct 2016 11:38 PM PDT The presiding judge in the case against Dutch tourist Klaas Haytema, who is accused of outraging religious sentiments after unplugging the amplifier used to broadcast a dhamma sermon last month, has formally confirmed that the criminal trial will proceed, with a verdict to be handed down tomorrow.

As tech spreads, Myanmar women become victims of ‘revenge porn’ Posted: 04 Oct 2016 11:13 PM PDT Like many 20-year-olds in Myanmar, Ma Yadana Kyaw Thu* has had a Facebook account for several years to share her thoughts and photos, and to stay in touch with friends.

Illicit drug use helps fuel domestic violence: activists Posted: 04 Oct 2016 11:12 PM PDT Long a known public health scourge for Myanmar, drug use is also fuelling gender-based violence in the country, according to activists.

After earthquake, Bagan knuckles down on restoration and heritage bid Posted: 04 Oct 2016 11:10 PM PDT Bagan's ancient religious heritage is at risk because of a combination of natural disasters, botched repairs and neglect, experts are warning. The city's 3000 ancient pagodas, temples and other religious buildings risk further damage unless urgent action is taken.

Illegal foreign-run businesses in Yangon MPs’ crosshairs Posted: 04 Oct 2016 11:09 PM PDT Amid much talk of luring outside investment to Myanmar, Yangon Region lawmakers have indicated that they want to see greater scrutiny of foreign operators of illegal businesses in the commercial capital.

Activists demand reform of National Education Law before by-laws sink in Posted: 04 Oct 2016 11:08 PM PDT Addressing legislation that sparked nationwide student protests last year and saw dozens of activists imprisoned, the National Network for Education Reform yesterday demanded an overhaul of the National Education Law.

Kandawgyi Park helium balloon project garners objections Posted: 04 Oct 2016 11:06 PM PDT A ballooning plan to provide tourists with a bird's-eye view of Kandawgyi Park may yet be deflated by lawmakers trying to jettison the proposal.

New add-ons to ancient pagodas slated for demolition Posted: 04 Oct 2016 10:58 PM PDT New pagoda additions to ancient Bagan will be demolished, archaeology experts said. The newer structures are believed to be an earthquake hazard with their extra weight and proclivity to toppling, putting the heritage zone at risk.

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