Myanmar Media Groups Vow to Defy Junta’s Publishing Bans
A journalist covers a crackdown against an anti-regime demonstration in Mandalay. / The Irrawaddy
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By The Irrawaddy 9 March 2021
Myanmar’s military regime banned five media groups for their supposed anti-regime coverage but most have announced that they would continue to cover the news in the fight for democracy and human rights.
On Monday, the Ministry of Information said it had revoked the publishing licenses of 7Day News, Myanmar Now, Mizzima, DVB and Khit Thit Media without giving a reason.
Since Feb. 22, coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has repeatedly said that referring to the military’s State Administration Council as the “military regime” or “junta” will result in publication licenses being revoked. The military claims it seized power constitutionally.
Myanmar’s Anti-Regime Protests Go On Despite Crackdowns and Detentions
Anti-regime protesters in Mandalay marched on Tuesday. / The Irrawaddy
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By The Irrawaddy 9 March 2021
Myanmar’s anti-regime protests in many cities have continued on Tuesday despite intensified crackdowns, detentions and raids over the previous days.
On Monday night, after the 8pm curfew, thousands of protesters took to the streets in many Yangon townships. People left their homes after news spread that hundreds of young protesters had to hide in strangers’ homes in Sanchaung after the security forces began rounding people up after Monday’s protests.
The news of potential raids and hundreds of detentions in Sanchaung spread quickly on social media.
Myanmar Regime Detains Increasing Numbers and Steps Up Violence
Anti-regime protesters in Mandalay. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy
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By The Irrawaddy 8 March 2021
Yangon – More than 200 anti-regime protesters, including members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), were arrested by the security forces on Sunday during an intensified crackdown against pro-democracy demonstrations in Myanmar.
The military regime has stepped up violence across the country, using tear gas, rubber and live bullets, deadly air-guns firing lead pellets and sound grenades.
On Sunday night, police and soldiers used hundreds of the explosives, that are used to simulate a grenade in training, and fired warning shots in several Yangon townships.
Myanmar Regime Steps Up Vehicle and Pedestrian Searches in Yangon
Myanmar Regime Steps Up Vehicle and Pedestrian Searches in Yangon
Police and soldiers inspect pedestrians and vehicles on Kyuntaw Street on the morning of March 8. / The Irrawaddy
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Yangon Police and military personnel are stopping pedestrians and vehicles in Yangon’s Sanchaung Township to search for the posters, helmets and goggles of anti-regime protesters.
Witnesses said the police stopped a car in Sanchaung, one of the major sites in Yangon where protesters gather, at around 9.30am on Monday, and arrested those inside after finding anti-regime posters in the trunk.
“They are deployed along Kyuntaw Street. They don’t stay on the street but are hiding in corners. There are 15 troops below my apartment. They are in police uniforms but most are wearing army boots,” said a witness.