Myanmar bans satellite TV

Myanmar's junta-controlled media announced a ban on satellite television receivers yesterday, saying outside broadcasts threatened national security and threatening to jail anyone caught violating the measure.

With mobile internet access largely cut off in a bid to quell anti-junta protests since the February 1 coup, Myanmar has increasingly appeared headed back to the state of isolation that preceded a decade of democratic reforms.

"Satellite television is no longer legal. Whoever violates the television and video law, especially people using satellite dishes, shall be punished with one year imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 kyat ($320)," MRTV state television said.

Meanwhile, the junta has charged freelance reporter Yuki Kitazumi, a Japanese journalist, under a "fake news" law, a report said yesterday. He is one of 50 journalists currently held in Myanmar as part of the junta's crackdown on widespread protests against its February 1 coup.

Since the coup security forces have killed more than 760 civilians, According to a local NGO. The junta disputes the figure and projects a much lower toll.