article_snippet.sent: (NCPO) junta -- immediately invoked Article 44 of the country's interim constitution "to curb acts deemed harmful to national peace and stability.
article_snippet.sent: Article 44 states, in wide-ranging terms, that when the head of the military junta believes it is necessary in the name of public harmony or to prevent the undermining of national security, then the head of the junta has the power to act as deemed necessary.
article_snippet.sent: According to a statement issued by the NCPO, the new order grants military personnel powers to issue summons and arrest those who commit crimes against the royal family or against national stability, who commit crimes involving war weaponry, or who violate the orders of the NCPO.
article_snippet.sent: Designated military personnel were granted powers to seize assets, to block media from reporting or publishing, and to detain suspects up to seven days, a statement issued by the NCPO said.
article_snippet.sent: Unauthorized political gatherings of more than five people were banned, while those who defied NCPO orders could be imprisoned for up to a year, a statement issued by the NCPO said.
article_snippet.sent: Those who were detained could not leave the country without the approval of the head of the NCPO.
article_snippet.sent: Since then, the NCPO has curbed civil liberties, muzzled the media and rounded up opponents.
article_snippet.sent: But Article 44 is a lot worse than martial law because martial law gives total power to the NCPO.