1 month in Myanmar under military control
The hopes of building a robust democracy in Myanmar were shattered when the powerful military toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy party in a coup Feb. 1.
In the month since, the mass protests occurring each day are a sharp reminder of the long and bloody struggle for democracy in a country where the military ruled directly for more than five decades.
In clinging to power, the army used lethal force to quash a massive 1988 uprising and a 2007 revolt led by Buddhist monks. Even as it eased the reins — allowing civilian rule after Suu Kyi's party won elections in 2015 — the military retained power through a constitution it drafted.
Protesters flashing three fingered salutes and holding an image with an X mark on a photo of Myanmar Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing face rows of riot police in Naypyitaw, Myanmar on Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, after the military’s coup. (AP Photo)
An anti-coup protester watches through a shield after police blocked their march in Mandalay, Myanmar, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021. (AP Photo)
Anti-coup protesters run as one of them discharges a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas fired by riot policemen in Yangon, Myanmar, Wednesday, March 3, 2021. (AP Photo)
Demonstrators with placards lie on the railway tracks in an attempt to disrupt train service during a protest against a military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. (AP Photo)
When the army blocked Parliament from convening and detained Suu Kyi and others in her government the day of its takeover, it alleged the most recent election was tainted by fraud. The election commission that refuted those allegations and affirmed Suu Kyi’s party won in a landslide was purged by the ruling junta.
The public at large also rejected the military’s assertion — and took to the streets. Medical workers spearheaded a Civil Disobedience Movement, whose calls for mass non-violent protests were met across the country. Even in smaller cities, crowds often in the tens of thousands defied the junta’s orders against large gatherings.
Those united in opposing the coup and wanting Suu Kyi released and restored to power came from varied walks of life. Civil servants and workers at enterprises such as the state railway. Enthusiastic youngsters in Generation Z. Members of Myanmar’s myriad ethnic groups.
As the protests have intensified so too has the response from security forces, with hundreds of arrests and several deaths of protesters reported.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 1,930 people have been arrested in connection with the coup. Dozens of journalists have been arrested, including Thein Zaw of The Associated Press, who has been charged under a public order law that carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
Thida Hnin cries during the funeral of her husband Thet Naing Win at Kyarnikan cemetery in Mandalay, Myanmar, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021. Thet Naing Win was shot and killed by Myanmar security forces during an anti-coup protest on Feb. 20. (AP Photo)
Mya Thwet Thwet Khine lies in a coffin during her funeral in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, Feb. 21 2021. She was the first confirmed death among the many thousands who have taken to the streets to protest the Feb. 1 coup that toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. (AP Photo)
An anti-coup protester displays defaced images of Commander in chief, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing in Mandalay, Myanmar, Wednesday, March 3, 2021. (AP Photo)
A police truck sprays water to a crowd of protesters in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. (AP Photo)
A man is held by police during a crackdown on anti-coup protesters holding a rally in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank in Mandalay, Myanmar, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. (AP Photo)
Protesters shout slogans as police arrive during a protest against a military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021. (AP Photo)
Police charge forward to disperse protesters in Mandalay, Myanmar on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021. (AP Photos)
A protester wounded during a protest against a military coup is carried by his colleague in Mandalay, Myanmar, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021. (AP Photo)
A protester show bullets, shotgun shells and rubber bullets used by security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. (AP Photo)
A protester throws a brick towards police during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.r more than five decades. (AP Photo)
Armed riot police are seen near protesters in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. (AP Photo)
Demonstrators flash the three-fingered symbol of resistance against the military coup and shout slogans calling for the release of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest in Mandalay, Myanmar, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. (AP Photo)
Protesters run after police shot warning shots and used water cannon to disperse them during a protest in Mandalay, Myanmar, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. (AP Photo)
Anti-coup protesters raise their hands with clenched fists during a rally near the Mandalay Railway Station in Mandalay, Myanmar, Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. (AP Photo)
A protester wears a safety helmet and eye protector as he shouts slogans during a protest against a military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021. (AP Photo)
Buddhist monks display placrds during a protest march against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. (AP Photo)
Text from AP News story, AP PHOTOS: 1 month in Myanmar under military control