Myanmar coup: Police fire rubber bullets as protesters defy ban

  • 2021-02-09 10:42:28
Police in Myanmar have fired rubber bullets during a demonstration in the capital Nay Pyi Taw, as thousands defied a ban on protests. Water cannons and tear gas have also been used against protesters demanding democracy be restored after a coup which removed the elected government. AFP Burmese has been told at least two protesters have been seriously injured. The fourth day of consecutive protests are under way, despite new restrictions being introduced on Monday. A ban on large public gatherings and night-time curfews have been instigated in some cities, with military leader Min Aung Hlaing warning that no-one is above the law. However, he did not issue a direct threat to protesters - although a broadcast on Burmese state TV following his speech said action "must be taken" against those breaking the law in the South East Asian nation. Protesters in Myanmar have been demanding the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, along with senior leaders of her National League for Democracy Party (NLD). She was arrested after the military seized power, claiming without evidence that an earlier election was fraudulent. The army has declared a year-long state of emergency.

Related