The junta in Myanmar frees thousands of opponents of the regime | News from Germany about events in the world

The military junta in Myanmar announced the release from prison of more than 5.6 thousand opponents of the regime. This was reported by state television on Monday, October 18. At the same time, the authorities accused the opposition of inciting unrest in the country. According to the leader of the junta, Min Aung Hline, the amnesty was announced “for humanitarian reasons.” The first prisoners began to leave the prisons.

The release of prisoners came a day after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) decided to exclude representatives of the junta from the list of participants in the upcoming summit of the organization. The event will take place from 26 to 28 October. Instead of members of the military government and the opposing underground Government of National Unity (NUG), a representative of Myanmar, who is not a member of any of the groups, will take part in the summit. Thus, ASEAN stresses its neutrality to internal political conflict. The organization justified its decision by the fact that the junta did not fulfill the plan for national reconciliation in the country developed in April.

UN: Repression continues in the country

The release of prisoners is clearly not evidence of a change in the nature of the ruling regime, but was done only under international pressure, said UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar Tom Andrews. Repression of people fighting for civil rights continues in the country.

The military coup in the country took place in February 2021. The current government was dispersed, and the country’s president, Vin Mnin, was arrested. The opponents of the junta went underground and began to fight the anti-democratic regime, organizing the PNE. On September 7, the underground government called on the people of Myanmar for a nationwide uprising.

More than 1,100 people have been killed by security forces since the coup, according to activists and the United Nations. The Association for Assistance to Political Prisoners claims that more than 7,300 people across the country are currently behind bars.

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The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

The junta staged a coup d’état

Mass protests in Myanmar began after the military seized power in the country on February 1, detained state leaders and declared a state of emergency.

The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

Internet is disconnected throughout the country

To stifle the protests, the putschists turned off the internet across the country. However, this did not stop the protesters. The three-fingered salute began to be used in Myanmar after other countries in Southeast and East Asia, where this gesture became a symbol of resistance.

The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

Leadership of the National League for Democracy Party Arrested

Demonstrators demand the release of the country’s de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and other high-ranking members of the National League for Democracy Party. Ten days after the coup, the military continues to harass NLD members, confiscating documents and computers from the party’s headquarters in Yangon and detaining six more politicians.

The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

Different social groups are involved in the protests

From the very beginning, various social groups joined the protests: students, teachers, workers and many others. Their slogans are: “Return power to the people!” or “Our goal is to achieve democracy!”

The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

Protesters show creativity

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered on February 10 for a peaceful protest in Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon. The Spider-Man suit protects against tear gas, which has already been used by the security forces.

The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

Charming demonstrators with tough demands

More than 100 women demonstrated in Yangon wearing ball gowns. Their demands on the military are unambiguous: “Get out!” and “Freedom to Aung San Suu Kyi!”

The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

Medical staff at the forefront

Health officials are protesting against the junta’s seizure of power. The flag they are holding (pictured) depicts a peacock – a symbol of the democratic movement in Myanmar.

The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

Police officers distance themselves from the military

Opposition to the military coup is also growing in the ranks of the security forces. These policewomen in Kaya state on the border with Thailand make their position clear with a three-fingered salute, a symbol of resistance.

The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

Combat weapons against demonstrators

In the capital, Naypyidaw, police used military weapons against demonstrators. A 20-year-old woman was wounded in the head and is dying.

The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

Among the protesters are Buddhist monks

Buddhist monks also joined the protests. The Sangha religious community has long played an important role in a country with strong Buddhist traditions.

The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

Support from balconies

The demonstrators are supported by applause, and those supporters who do not go to the protest actions themselves bring them food and drink.

The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

Protests swept across the country

The people went to the demonstrations not only in the megacities of Yangon and Mandalay. People also express dissatisfaction in ethnic minority areas such as Shan State (pictured).

The people of Myanmar against the putschists: how the protests go

Junta support

Meanwhile, individual actions are being held in the country in support of the generals who came to power and their Party of Solidarity and the Development of the Union.

Author: Evgeny Zhukov