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Myanmar demonstrators defiant in face of escalating repression


The situation in Myanmar (formerly Burma) continues to worsen with reports emerging of escalating attempts by the authorities to repress ongoing demonstrations. Media reports include the use of tear gas against demonstrators and dozens, if not hundreds, of arrests and beatings.

Reports are also emerging of growing defiance in the face of the authorities as tens of thousands of Buddhist monks and pro-democracy activists continue to take to the streets.

The mass demonstrations are the biggest the country has seen since 1998 when thousands were killed as security forces used deadly force against massive pro-democracy demonstrations. Amnesty International is deeply concerned at the growing possibility of violence and bloodshed in the country.

Amnesty International has called on the international community to act urgently and for the UN Security Council to visit the country immediately. In a letter to the President of the Security Council, Amnesty International also called on them to consider the possibility of imposing an arms embargo on Myanmar.

Amnesty International members around the world have begun a series of demonstrations outside Burmese embassies and high profile public locations calling for the Myanmar authorities not to respond with violence and to respecting the human right to peaceful protest. A demonstration was held in Washington last night (Tuesday). This will be followed by events today and later this week in Belgium, Philippines and Spain. Further events will be announced shortly.


Read more:
Myanmar: UN Security Council must deploy urgent mission (Press Release, 25 September 2007)
Myanmar’s Political Prisoners: A Growing Legacy of Injustice (Report, 16 June 2005)