Mourning the death of a young anti-coup protester, demonstrators return to Myanmar streets

Demonstrators gathered across Yangon Saturday to mourn the death of an anti-coup protester, as the United States urged the leaders of Myanmar’s new military regime to refrain from violence and relinquish power.

Much of the country has been in uproar since troops deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on 1 February, with large street demonstrations in major cities and isolated villages alike.

Authorities have responded with increasing force, deploying troops against peaceful rallies and firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets.

A doctor in Naypyidaw on Friday confirmed the death of Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, a 20-year-old who was shot in the head during a protest in Myanmar’s capital last week.

She has since become a symbol of resistance for protesters, who have hoisted her photos high in demonstrations and even unfurled a massive banner of artwork from a bridge showing the moment she was shot.

“Please all join this protest movement to be more successful. That’s all I want to say,” her sister Poh Poh told reporters after her death.

On Saturday, thousands gathered at the main junctions of Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city – though the crowds appeared smaller than in recent days.

They held spontaneous vigils for Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing on the streets, lighting candles and laying roses by a banner with her picture.

“We can’t accept the police crackdowns because these are undisciplined, beyond our laws,” said protester Win Zaw, 46.

“I feel that the bullet that hit Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing’s head has also hit our heads.”

Anti-coup protesters hold posters with images of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi as they gather outside the Hledan Centre in Yangon

International condemnation

Condemnation of the violence has been fierce, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held talks with allied countries in recent days to press for a firm international response

“We reiterate our calls on the Burmese military to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters,” spokesman Ned Price told reporters Friday.

“We will work with partners and allies to press the Burmese military to reverse its actions.”

The military regime has so far weathered a chorus of international condemnation.

The US, Britain and Canada have all announced sanctions targeting the country’s top generals.

The junta has justified its power seizure by alleging widespread electoral fraud in November’s elections, which Ms Suu Kyi’s party won in a landslide.

But since its power grab, it has instated multiple internet shutdowns, blocked some social media sites, and arrested hundreds – often in the middle of the night.

The country on Saturday emerged from its sixth straight overnight internet blackout, a measure imposed as neighbourhoods around the country began setting up watch groups to guard against evening arrests.

Internet monitor NetBlocks reported that Wikipedia had been blocked in the country, joining a list of banned content that included Facebook and other social media services.

Nearly 550 people have been arrested, charged or sentenced since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, with 500 still behind bars.

Among those targeted have been railway workers, civil servants and bank staff who have walked off their jobs as part of a civil disobedience campaign aimed at crippling the army’s ability to govern.

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