Top Developments: • Some political prisoners freed, but eight journalists still held. • Government censors all print publications, controls broadcasters... Key Statistic: 1st: Ranking on CPJ?s Worst Countries to Be a Blogger... "Throughout the year, Burma?s ruling junta emphasized its plans to move toward multiparty democracy after decades of military rule, a long-promised transition that dissidents and others viewed as a sham to further consolidate the military?s power. As the country geared up for general elections in 2010--the first since the military annulled the 1990 elections, which were won overwhelmingly by the political opposition--authorities maintained strict censorship over the local news media and held at least nine journalists behind bars..."