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The protests against the putschists in Myanmar are bringing more and more people to the streets. Buddhist monks also joined the general strike in numerous cities yesterday. The military junta threatened the protesters with “measures”, but at the same time promised new elections. Serious riots broke out yesterday in a mass demonstration in the city of Naypyidaw. The police used water cannons against the protesters. There were numerous injuries.
Observers now fear an escalation: in the past, the army had used brutal force to suppress any resistance. “We look forward to this,” said one activist, “but we cannot stop, there is no going back.” The protesters called for the reinstatement of government under former freedom icon Aung San Suu Kyi. The 75-year-old had clearly won the November parliamentary elections. However, a week ago, the military seized power, placed Suu Kyi under house arrest and declared a state of emergency for a year.
