Since seizing power on February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military has steadily violated fundamental human rights across Burma/Myanmar.
The Internet and telecommunication networks were cut off during and after the coup, and the military forcibly and arbitrarily detained elected leaders as well as opposition party members. The military has unlawfully arrested pro-democracy activists, as well as pressuring and threatening government staff for participating in the civil disobedience movement (CDM) that is taking place across the country.
The junta also filed a lawsuit against department officials who support the CDM.
The military has revoked freedom of expression, and those critical of the coup are being charged under a section of the Burmese Criminal Act pertaining to offences. This section of the Act covers High Treason, Sedition, Encouraging, Harboring or offering comfort to persons guilty of High Treason, and Advocating to overthrow the Union or its constituent units by force.
Citizens across Myanmar have been taking to the streets, and drumming pots and pans on a daily basis since February 1, in protest to military actions. Much of these actions are organized and shared shared via social media posts. In response the military junta shut down popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Protests are happening across the country involving every class and sector of communities.
On February 8, the military restricted freedom of movement by banning gatherings of five people or more and applying a curfew from 8 pm to 4 pm.
“This is what the Myanmar Military usually does. People have problems with traveling. As the order came out in the evening, people from Mottama had trouble going back home. We also have to stop providing help to the patients at night,” said Bo Bo Win, the Chair of Bo Bo Win Emergency Rescue in Mawlamyine.
He added, “No one likes the curfew. If the people start opposing the order, the situation can become worse.”
On February 7, the United States Ambassador to Burma urged the military to return power to the duly elected government, to release all detainees, to re-open the Internet and telecommunication networks, and not to use violence in any way against peaceful protesters.
Note: this article was first published on HURFOM
