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A heavy military presence on Myanmar's streets, combined with mass arrests, has stamped out the massive protests of the past week. Huge numbers of troops are visible on street corners across Yangon, the focal point for the demonstrations, and fear is widespread.

The flood of reports in the city of alleged brutal killings, disappearances and arrests is causing major concern for the people of Myanmar and those watching the continuing crisis.

However, it remains extremely difficult for anyone to confirm details about who has been arrested, where they are held, why and under what circumstances. This uncertainty is partly as a consequence of restrictions on Internet and phone use.

Security forces have scaled up their efforts to curb the mass distribution of images and blogs providing information about the crackdown. Internet access remains limited and phone lines, including of diplomats, appear to have been cut. Random searches for cameras and mobile phones have reportedly been introduced in Yangon, with arrests taking place.

Over the past week, security forces in Myanmar have raided monasteries and attacked peaceful demonstrators, firing live bullets as well as tear gas and beating protesters with batons.

http://web.amnesty.org/pages/mmr-011007-news-eng

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)