Myanmar’s Weaponization of COVID-19 ent at both trials, which ended in sentences of prison time with hard labor. Of note is that the charges were filed by the deputy director of Kachin State’s Department HRW condemned the charges as part of a of Religious Affairs, which falls under the broader crackdown on access to information in NLD-run Ministry of Religious Affairs. The Myanmar,42 and the Kachin State-based Legal Union-level minister for religious affairs, a Aid Network has suggested that the crackdown former military general, sits on the Myanmar on the artists’ freedom of speech is rooted in the military-led COVID-19 emergency response lack of protection for the principle in Myanmar’s committee. military-drafted 2008 Constitution.43 Further Restrictions on Freedom of Expression: Proposed Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases Bill A draft law on the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases44 that is to replace the 1995 law enacted under the same title was submitted to the lower house of Parliament on 18 May. In analyzing the law, several concerns have surfaced including the possible furthering of a culture of surveillance.45 Perhaps most worrying is the manner in which the bill could undermine freedom of expression and access to information. Information is vital for a robust response in stopping the spread of COVID-19, but the draft bill would effectively criminalize the sharing of information on an infectious disease outbreak, including “information about places, persons, items, animals, vehicles, information and actions which might stir fear in the public.”46 The newly proposed Section 20 of the bill empowers the Ministry of Health and Sports to delegate authority to local officials to prohibit reporting that could “cause panic.”47 First time violations are subject to a fine of up to 100,000 Kyat, while second-time offenders could face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 Kyat. 42 Human Rights Watch. “Myanmar: 3 Charged for COVID-19 Street Art.” 8 April 2020. Available at: https://www.hrw. org/news/2020/04/08/myanmar-3-charged-covid-19-street-art 43 Kachin News Group. “Calls Grow to Drop Charges Against Artists Over COVID-19 Mural.” 6 May 2020. Available at: https://kachinnews.com/2020/05/06/calls-grow-to-drop-charges-against-artists-over-covid-19-mural/ 44 Prevention and Control of Communicable Disease Bill. Available at: https://pyidaungsu.hluttaw.mm/uploads/pdf/ mu4lWS_CD%20Law%20%2011.12.19%20(Annex%203)%20PDF.pdf 45 The Ananda. “Bill Analysis: Prevention and Control of Communicable Disease Bill.” 8 April 2020. Available at: https:// theananda.org/en/blog/view/-Bill-Analysis_PCCD-Bill 46 Ibid. 47 Article 19. “Myanmar: Restriction on expression in communicable diseases bill would undermine COVID-19 response.” 12 May 2020. Available at: https://www.article19.org/resources/myanmar-restriction-on-expression-in-communicable-diseases-bill-would-undermine-covid-19-response/ 15