News, Politics

Protests turn violent following coup in Myanmar

0 176
"Burma protest for junta to face International Criminal Court" by totaloutnow is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Featured Image: “Burma protest for junta to face International Criminal Court” by totaloutnow is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Growing opposition against a coup in Myanmar has seen tens of thousands of people gathering in Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar.

Protestors called for the release of the country’s elected official, Aung San Suu Kyi, last week and gathered in defiance of the new ban against large gatherings.

They were met with rubber bullets, water cannons, and teargas from Myanmar police.

Protests in Mandalay, Magwe, and Naypyidaw turned violent as police used water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse the gathered crowds. At least one woman from a protest at Naypyidaw is said to be in critical condition Reuters reported.

The military seized control on February 1st, stating that election results from November, which showed the National League for Democracy as a clear winner, were fraudulent.

Ms. Suu Kyi, the head of the NLD party, was placed under house arrest along with other NLD officials.

The military reportedly cut internet and phone lines on Monday 1st and full access has yet to be restored. Social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram were blocked on Saturday.

One Twitter user by the name of Maw Htun Aung, has been documenting the events taking place through a VPN to conceal his location.

Aung states that citizens have taken to banging pots and pants as a symbol of resistance against the military, and what they see as a disruption of their democracy.

The UN in Myanmar has expressed concern about the use of force against protesters. Ola Almgren, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar said, “I call on the Security Forces to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression… The use of disproportionate force against demonstrators is unacceptable.”

About the author / 

Ryann Overbay

Ryann has recently moved to Manchester from Japan, where she lived for five years teaching English literature and working as a travel writer for Voyapon Magazine. She is currently studying her MA in creative writing and is excited to work with aAh! Magazine as a creative editor.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • “Well-slept characters aren’t as interesting” – The minds behind ‘Misper’ on Manchester Film Festival and the allure of writing people on the edge

    Feature Image: Press “It’s important to find your people. Don’t feel like you have to find this incredible producer or person who’s going to give you loads of money and change your life” says Lauerence Tratalos, one-half of the Northern duo responsible for Misper; a feature debut for director Harry Sheriff and script writer Tratalos….

  • Ignoring Izzy @ Fuel Café Bar review – a wonderfully bizarre set

    Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fuel Café Bar in Withington hosts the fifth stop of six-piece band Ignoring Izzy’s ‘Motorway Musk’ tour, following the release of their debut single. The room buzzes with the promise of chaos, and possibly a few flying vegetables. Opening the night is Manchester-based Leucotome, a witch-folk trio blending soft,…

  • Rick Astley / Gabrielle @ Co-op Live review – Manchester will never give them up

    Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Opening the night, Gabrielle eases the Co-op Live crowd into the spectacular night ahead. There’s no need for spectacle, her presence alone is enough with her deep vocals echoing around the arena. A performance rooted in control and feeling, each song reveals a different shade of her understated command. Operating…

  • Chalk @ Gorilla review – unrelenting and endlessly energetic

    Featured image and gallery: Sam Holmes Formed in Belfast in 2019, Chalk have already made a name for themselves. From support slots for Fontaines D.C., IDLES and Sprints, to taking to the stage at SXSW earlier this year, the band’s growth has been rapid and shows no signs of stopping. Touring their debut album Crystalpunk,…