09 February 2021
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.
One witness said demonstrators were running away as weapons were fired into the air, but not in the direction of the crowd. Another resident told news agency AFP they initially “fired warning shots to the sky two times, then they fired [at protesters] with rubber bullets”.
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
In Yangon’s San Chaung township, dozens of teachers marched on the main road, waving a defiant three-finger salute, a gesture borrowed from pro-democracy movements across Asia.
“We are teachers, We want justice”! “Free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi!” they yelled as they marched down the main road, where cars passing by honked their horns in support.
“Down with the military dictatorship!”
Adapted from original source:BBCNews
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