Protests in Burma

The protests in Burma, the largest in a decade, began on 19 August in response to the regime’s decision to raise fuel prices. Hundreds of people have taken part in demonstrations almost every day in different parts of the country.

In response to continuing protests throughout the country over the past two weeks against fuel price hikes, Burma’s military regime has launched a severe crackdown. Over 150 people have been arrested, including almost all the leading pro-democracy activists. The regime has used militia armed with iron rods and bamboo sticks in violent assaults on peaceful protestors.


Reminder:

The military regime in Burma has one of the worst human rights records in the world. Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, remains under house arrest. Over 1,200 political prisoners are in jail. Torture is severe and widespread. The regime is guilty of the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war, forced labour, the forcible conscription of child soldiers, the use of human minesweepers, extra-judicial killings, the destruction of over 3,000 villages in eastern Burma since 1996 and the displacement of more than a million people.

After many years living oppressed by the military regime, the junta, Burma starts to protest after the recent high raise of the living cost.

It's the Buddhist monks who started to lead the people, walking in the city, defying the soldiers in breaking the no-protesting law. The Dalaï lama (Buddhist leader) gave his support to the demonstration. About 100000 Burmese where manifesting today in the different towns around the country.

Sadly reminding the 1988's tragic events (students riots) where 3000 people died.

The procession is shouting peaceful slogans and prayers, carrying portraits of Aung San Suu Kyi (politic prisoner/ democratic party/ peace Nobel price).

It's probably because th whole world is looking today at its country that the government didn't take action. Even China (main partner of Burma) ask for temper. The people wants democracy, and if they don't have it, they want the regime to start dialogging with the different political party. They ask freedom of speaking for Aung San Suu Kyi and her democrat party. It could be the beginning of better things for the Burmese people.

Yesterday the army set up a cover few at 5:00 PM. Also, no gathering more than 5 people is allowed.

Today the military cosed the streets. They start fighting against people, even shot them.
A least 1 person died and 20 others are injured.

Protestation goes on.

The situation actually is this:

The Internet connection with the country has been cut off by the government. No images in the news means almost no interest fro the international community. The protests stopped after the military had beat people with iron and bamboo sticks.

Today, more than 1000 (maybe 2000) people disappeared (monks and civilians)... It seems that they had been brought to secret jails, where no one could know what kind of treatment they can bear. They are not even prisoner, for the government didn't made statement. They are abducted.