Mawlamyine, March (28)
Lawyers said, the Police Act enacted by the military council could further jeopardize the privacy and freedom of citizens.
The Myanmar Police Act, which has 18 chapters and 68 sections, was signed and approved by the coup leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, on March 25.
The law states that the President must coordinate with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in appointing the Police Major General.
The law also allows all members of the police force to arrest civilians without arrest warrants and to search public homes and property on suspicion.
A lawyer criticized how these factors could further jeopardize the privacy and freedom of the people if they do not comply with the law promulgated by the military council.
“If the police misuse their legal power, the privacy of citizens will be more affected. The good and bad things depend on the behavior of the police who apply the law,” he added.
According to the military council, the Myanmar Police Act is intended to include law enforcement in the peace process as well as in national defense.
A CDM police official said the law was enacted to use police officers as soldiers for national defense.
“What is remarkable is that this law also provides for the protection of the state, including the rule of law. So to speak, like soldiers,” he said.
If you build housing, a market, a factory and a hotel or a guest house, the design of the building must be submitted to the township police chief’s office, according to the Police Act.
In addition, every member of the police force can inspect kite flying and football games and if the respondent fails to answer, he or she can be arrested without a warrant.
News – Than Lwin Times