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On Monday, thousands of people demonstrated in many cities in Myanmar to protest the military coup that last week led to the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, the country’s top political leader, and most of the members of her government.
A protest in Yangon on February 7 (AP Photo)
The protests have continued since February 2, the day after the coup in which a military junta led by General Min Aung Hlaing seized power, but intensified over the weekend. Sunday’s demonstrations are estimated to have been the largest in Myanmar since 2007, when there were a series of anti-government protests led and inspired by Buddhist monks, the so-called “saffron revolution”, which were violently suppressed and resulted in dozens. dead.
Monday’s protests were mainly concentrated in three cities: Yangon and Mandalay, the country’s largest, and Naypyidaw, the capital and center of military power. Although the protests were peaceful, the Naypyidaw police used water cannons to arrest the protesters. At the moment it is not known for sure how many are injured.
Police pointed a water cannon at a crowd of protesters in Myanmar’s capital as protests escalate after last week’s coup. https://t.co/SUmSM4sED0 pic.twitter.com/dNb71QRxqX
– ABC News (@ABC) February 8, 2021
The main feature of the protests these days is that the protesters have started to wear red, the color of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Aung San Suu Kyi’s party. Many banners and red flags were also seen, and chants against the military junta were heard.
For days, moreover, the protesters have adopted the three-finger salute, inspired by the film saga, as a symbol. The Hunger Games and it became very popular during protests in recent years in Southeast Asia.
– Read also: Who is Aung San Suu Kyi?
Protests in Yangon on February 8 (AP Photo)
The protests involved very different layers of Burmese society. Indeed, doctors, nurses, teachers and students have been demonstrating for days, and dozens of Buddhist monks also protested in Yangon on Monday, marching displaying Buddhist and NLD flags. There was also a call from the leaders of the democratic movement on Monday for all workers to go on strike.
General strike called today in Yangon #Myanmar. Large street protests converge in the center. Many spectators cheering. pic.twitter.com/TB2X6z4LsA
– Richard Horsey (@rshorsey) February 8, 2021
Between Saturday and Sunday, to try to limit the protests, the military junta had first blocked social networks and then most of the internet connection, but according to the NetBlocks company as of Sunday afternoon. connectivity it was gradually restored.
– Read also: The general behind the coup in Myanmar
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