The military junta has arrested a spokesperson of Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi in an attempt to curb the spread of information about ongoing protests against the military coup that took place on February 1.
Clashes between security forces and the protestors have resulted in the death of at least 232 protestors so far. Seven protesters, who were shot at by security forces lost their lives on Friday in the central town of Aungban. Another protestor succumbed to injuries inflicted during the clash.
Demonstrations were held at Yangon, Mandalay, Myingyan and Katha. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the protestors but then opened fire.
Since the first days after the coup on February 1, Kyi Toe had been a major source of information. Years of progress towards democracy led by civilian leadership has been reversed by the military coup. Suu Kyi, who is now under house arrest, faces charges of corruption, illegal possession of walkie talkies and publication of information that may "cause fear or alarm” or disrupt “public tranquillity”.
The military junta cancelled the licenses of five media organisation, preventing them from disseminating reports about the protests. The military leadership also placed restrictions on the internet shortly after the coup.
Joko Widodo, President of neighbouring Indonesia, on Friday, urged a halt to the violence in Myanmar. Widodo also asked leaders of neighbouring nations to hold a summit and help resolve the crisis to avoid more victims.
Widodo said he would talk with leaders of Brunei, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to set up a meeting of leaders of its 10 member countries.
