Biden condemns Myanmar military coup, demands immediate release of detainees

U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement Monday condemning the military coup in Burma and demanding the immediate release of the detainees.

In the statement, President Biden said, “The military’s seizure of power in Burma, the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian officials, and the declaration of a state of emergency are a direct attack on the country’s transition to democracy and the rule of law.”

In the statement, Biden called on the international community to stand together and “urge the Burmese military to immediately relinquish its seizure of power, release the rights defenders and officials they have detained, lift all telecommunications restrictions, and refrain from violence against civilians.”

The statement continued, “The United States takes note of those who stand with the people of Burma in this difficult Time. We will work with partners across the region and around the world to support the restoration of democracy and the rule of law and to hold accountable those responsible for overturning Burma’s democratic transition.”