Burmese people took to the streets again on Feb. 16 to protest and demand the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and others
On Tuesday (Feb. 16) the Burmese military filed a second charge against Aung San Suu Kyi (also known as Aung San Suu Kyi), which could put her in indefinite detention. The news was followed by many people taking to the streets in peaceful demonstrations.
New charges against Aung San may lead to indefinite detention
Aung San Suu Kyi was initially charged with illegally importing at least 10 walkie-talkies, an act that carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison.
On Feb. 16, Aung San’s lawyer, Khin Maung Zaw, told local media that she faces a second charge of violating the country’s National Disaster Management Law, which is used to prosecute people who violate the Communist Party’s (coronavirus) measures and carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison. Kim Munsho said the next court date is March 1.
But the new charges could keep Aung San in detention without trial indefinitely, as the junta last week made changes to the Penal Code that allow suspects to be detained without court permission.
The Burmese military seized power in the country on Feb. 1 in a coup that placed the de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and several political figures under house arrest, prompting ongoing public protests.
Military denies coup, promises power transfer after another election
On the same day Tuesday, Myanmar’s military government held its first press conference since launching the coup, denying that its removal of the democratically elected government was an act of coup d’etat.
They said their action was justified because of fraud in the November election and said a transfer of power would take place after a new election is held.
The military also showed photos of injured police officers, damaged vehicles and ambulances, and videos of water cannon trucks retreating at the press conference. But Myanmar netizens criticized the military for lying and TV stations for reporting “fake news” in online messages.
Myanmar military spokesman Soe Myint Tun said at the press conference, “Our goal is to hold elections and hand over power to the winning party.”
The military has not yet given a new date for the elections, but has set a one-year state of emergency.
Last weekend, Myanmar again saw mass demonstrations, but the military hardened its stance against the protesters, deploying armored vehicles in major cities such as Yangon and cutting off domestic networks, with some police officers shooting and firing tear gas at demonstrators.
The military announced a new law on Feb. 15 warning of up to 20 years in prison for those who threaten army operations. Aung San Suu Kyi, who was originally detained until the 15th, was also not released and remains in custody.
The Myanmar military’s actions have been internationally condemned, with the U.S., U.K. and European Union (EU) ambassadors issuing a joint statement urging Myanmar security forces to refrain from harming civilians. The U.N. envoy also warned of “serious consequences” if the crackdown was tough.
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