Myanmar Activists Demand Legal Action After Pro-Military Protest Breaches COVID-19 Rules
A pro-military demonstration in Pathein on Jan. 25. / Salai Thant Zin / The Irrawaddy
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By Salai Thant Zin 27 January 2021
Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region — Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Ayeyarwady Region have called for legal action against the organizers of a pro-military demonstration for violating COVID-19 regulations.
“A stay-at-home order is in force in Pathein but over 300 protesters joined the pro-military demonstration and violated COVID-19 regulations. We accept they have rights to freedom of expression. But we can’t accept such large gatherings during the pandemic. We ask the authorities to take legal action,” said U Sein Hla Aung from the 1988 pro-democracy activist group based in Pathein, capital of Ayeyarwady Region. Tatmadaw (military) sympathizers sought approval from the authorities for a demonstration with 30 people to condemn the Nov. 8 general election results and in support of the armed forces, promising it would follow COVID-19 regulations. However, when the event was held on Monday at the Hittine (Vox Populi) Ground in Pathein, more than 300 people, including demonstrators from Kangyidaunt, Kyaunggon and Pantanaw townships, joined the event.