Dear friends,
We watched in horror and sadness as the military staged a coup in Myanmar this week. We will have more to say in the coming days, but to learn about what’s happening and what it may mean, we suggest this press conference from ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights and Progressive Voice, with the support of Forum Asia, ALTSEAN-BURMA and Initiative for International Dialogue.
The press conference can be watched here on Facebook Live.
“On 1 February, Myanmar’s military announced a State of Emergency for one year, with all legislative, executive and judicial powers transferred to Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Earlier in the day, senior members from the ruling National League for Democracy, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, were arrested, while pro-democracy activists have also been arbitrarily arrested. In addition, there have been reports of the internet being disrupted and the presence of soldiers on the streets.
The developments come after a general election in November, which the NLD won resoundingly, but the army said was fraudulent. Myanmar’s new parliament was due to convene for the first time on Monday.”
The press conference, panel and question and answer period included: Charles Santiago, APHR chair and Malaysian Member of Parliament; Khin Ohmar, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of Progressive Voice; and Wai Wai Nu, Founder and Director of the Women’s Peace Network and a Rohingya activist.
Today, we are hearing reports of youth groups and healthcare professionals calling for civil disobedience. We will post updates as they emerge — solidarity the the resisters!