The Irrawaddy looks at the individuals, groups and forces that shaped the course of events in one of the most tumultuous years in Myanmar’s modern history.
Voices of Myanmar’s Martyrs Will Not Be Silenced by the Junta
Anti-regime protesters gather in downtown Yangon on Feb. 17. / The Irrawaddy
2.5k
By The Irrawaddy 11 May 2021
“I miss my son everyday,” said U Thein Zaw, father of 17-year-old protester Khant Nyar Hein, who was gunned down by regime forces about two months ago.
“He is always on my mind from the moment I wake up in the morning through the day until my bed time and even when I wake up in the middle of the night. All his pictures and memories well up before my eyes,” the father said.
For Myanmar Military, Rule No. 1 in Riot Control Is Shoot to Kill
A placard with a free Aung San Suu Kyi message against a background of a Myanmar army soldier is seen in February during an anti-regime protest in Yangon. / The Irrawaddy
8.7k
By Kyaw Zwa Moe 2 March 2021
“The military never fires into the air. It just shoots straight to hit.” That’s what Myanmar’s late dictator Ne Win said once. His words are still true. Within one month of the new military regime staging a coup on Feb. 1, its army and security forces have shot at least 21 protesters to death. Almost all of them were shot execution style in their heads and chests.