• you are here:
• home
• News
• Myanmar authorities step up crackdown on protesters

Myanmar authorities step up crackdown on protesters

• Published on 28/09/2007
• 
• 

The situation in Myanmar (Burma) continues to worsen with reports emerging of escalating attempts by the authorities to repress ongoing demonstrations.

Amnesty International sources in the country report a much harsher crackdown on protesters today (Thursday). As of this afternoon, monks were no longer visible on the streets of central Yangon. But numerous demonstrators, estimated to number around 10,000, continued to defy the military.

Soldiers are reported to have ordered crowds to disperse and go home or risk being shot. Sporadic warning shots have been fired and there are unconfirmed reports of up to nine fatalities including a Japanese photographer killed in Yangon. .

Earlier reports described widespread use of tear gas against demonstrators and hundreds of arrests and beatings. Witnesses told Amnesty International of soldiers chasing demonstrators, who continue to take to the streets.

At least three key monasteries have been surrounded and raided by police and military, which seem to be gaining firmer control over the clergy. The Shwedagon pagoda in central Yangon is said to be under siege by military and police.

Large numbers of arrests were made in overnight raids on monasteries in Yangon by military and riot police. Between 200 and 700 monks were arrested, as well as at least four opposition politicians.

Phone lines are increasingly difficult to access, with reports suggesting the government is trying to shut down internet and telephone links to the outside world after a stream of blogs and mobile phone videos began capturing the dramatic events on the streets.

Urgent International Response Critical

Amnesty International is taking peaceful action around the world to highlight the appalling human rights situation in Myanmar. You may like to join an Amnesty International event or organise one of your own. Here are some ideas on what you can do from our activists.

Do something right now

Take our email action and express your concerns to the Myanmar embassy

Places to take action

You could take action in any busy public areas in your city or town, such as main squares, shopping malls, famous sites, anywhere that has people coming to or through the space. Think also of an interesting backdrop for your action that creates a good photo opportunity. You could have a silent protest, information stall, street theatre, letter writing booth, candlelight vigil, anything that will spread the word and get people in your community involved. You are the person best placed to know where these places are in your community. Please mack sure you get all necessary permits and permissions.

Messages for your action

The messages are focused on the human rights at risk surrounding volatile situation and reported emergence of the violent crack down on peaceful protest.

Messages for placards, posters, can include:

• Allow Peaceful Protest in Myanmar
• Release Prisoners of Conscience
• Free Aung San Suu Kyi
• Defend Human Rights in Myanmar

Ideas for your actions

You may like to use some themes and ideas to draw attention and create a buzz around your action. It will also give the media an interesting photo opportunity.

• Human chain. Protestors in Myanmar have used human chains to protect the monks leading the demonstrations. You could also use human chains in your public action to symbolise the protection of peaceful protest.
• Brown/Red theme colour. Decorate your action in brown/red cloth as worn by the monks currently at risk of violence in Myanmar. Avoid wearing full robes as worn by monks as this may be considered inappropriate.
• 3000. You may also wish to highlight the figure 3000 in your action the number of peaceful protestors believed to have been killed when the authorities brutally suppressed a mass political demonstration in 1988.
• Candle vigil. For evening actions, you may wish to include candles. Candles are a powerful symbol of peace and may assist in making better photo opportunities at your event. You could spell out messages with candles or conduct a vigil in solidarity with the peaceful demonstrators.

We would love to know about your event Please let us know about your action for Myanmar.

Thank you for your participating in this urgent call to action.

Further information

• Prompt action needed from ASEAN countries for Myanmar crisis, 27 September 2007
• Open letter to ASEAN member states on the situation in Myanmar, 27 September 2007
• Peaceful demonstrators in Myanmar need your support, 27 August 2007
• UN Security Council must deploy urgent mission to Myanmar, 26 September
• Amnesty International 2007 report on Myanmar

• previous post
• next post