Miss Myanmar delivers passionate statement against military coup at Miss Universe pageant: "Our people are dying"
By Sophie Lewis
"Hunger Games" salute used by protesters in Asia
Miss Myanmar used Sunday night's Miss Universe pageant to deliver a powerful message against the military junta, which has killed hundreds of demonstrators in the country since it seized power during a coup in February.
Wearing a traditional costume, Miss Universe Myanmar, Thuzar Wint Lwin, unveiled a scroll during the "national costume" segment reading "Pray for Myanmar." She ended up winning the category.
"Our people are dying and being shot by the military every day," she said in a video message for the competition. "I would like to urge everyone to speak about Myanmar. As Miss Universe Myanmar since the coup, I have been speaking out as much as I can."