The application of martial law since January 2004 has granted greater powers to Thai security forces in the region. According to human rights groups, this law enables the central government to ban any types of political gatherings and to censor the media. The powers extend to the detention of individuals without charge, which is a violation of procedural fairness and freedom from arbitrary arrest. According to HRW, Thai authorities have also used emergency powers to shut down hundreds of websites, a satellite television station, online television channels, and community radio stations, most of which are considered closely aligned with the UDD. It said that this sweeping clampdown on the media violated Thailand’s obligations to respect the freedom of the media and the freedom of expression.