Myanmar military should end its use of violence and respect democracy
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The undersigned groups today denounced an apparent coup in Myanmar, and associated violence, which has suspended civilian government and effectively returned full power to the military.
On 1 February, the military arbitrarily detained State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders of the National League for Democracy. A year-long state of emergency was declared, installing Vice-President and former lieutenant-general Myint Swe as the acting President. Myint Swe immediately handed over power to commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (Section 418 of Myanmar’s 2008 Constitution enables transfer of legislative, executive, and judicial powers to the Commander in Chief). Internet connections and phone lines throughout the country were disrupted, pro-democracy activists have been arbitrarily arrested, with incoming reports of increased detentions. Soldiers in armored cars have been visibly roam
Aung Sang Suu Kyi was burdened by her reputation as a democracy icon, that she once was. Amnesty International stripped her of the peace prize saying that
UK Condemns Burma Coup, Demands Aung San Suu Kyi’s Release
The UK on Monday condemned the military coup in Burma and demanded the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian leaders.
Burma’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, the nation’s top leader, and the country’s president, Win Myint, were both detained in pre-dawn raids on Monday, Suu Kyi’s ruling National League for Democracy party said.
The Burmese military said it has taken control of the country for one year.
In response, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I condemn the coup and unlawful imprisonment of civilians, including Aung San Suu Kyi, in Myanmar. The vote of the people must be respected and civilian leaders released.”
The people of the Southeast Asian nation are no strangers to military rule.
The country was controlled by the armed forces until they began to cede power a little more than 10 years ago.
“The military has always operated in an opaque way,” said Al Jazeera’s Florence Looi, who has reported extensively from Myanmar. “It has in many ways considered itself above the law.”
Here is a timeline:
Aung San Suu Kyi, then two years old, with her father Aung San and mother and two elder brothers in 1947 [File: Kyodo News via AP Photo]
1947
Aung San, who fought against the Japanese and led the country to independence from Britain, is assassinated. Aung San Suu Kyi, is his only daughter and youngest child.
Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi detained in military raid amid coup fears originalfm.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from originalfm.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.