"ARTICLE 19 joins parliamentarians and civil society disappointed by the government?s failure to bring the Law on the Right to Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession in line with human rights standards. Parliamentarians, including U Aung Zin, a member of ARTICLE 19?s civil society partner, the People?s Coalition for Free Expression, believed that they had successfully removed the notorious Section 18 from the Law, which requires demonstrators to get permission from the police prior to demonstrating. The law has led to the prosecution of hundreds of people, many of whom were demonstrating against key issues such as government corruption and land confiscations. Unfortunately, in the amendment signed by the president on 24 June, Section 18 remains. Instead of repealing it, Section 18 has been watered down by requiring the police to have a ?valid? reason for refusing permission. It is unclear what the valid reasons are..."