Security forces in Burma continued their intimidation campaign as they attacked protesters and demanded the return of the elected government.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Naypyitaw, the country’s capital, and Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city.
Soldiers and police appeared on both sites and attacked protesters with sticks and slingshots. Local media reported that police also used rubber bullets on the crowd and that some people were injured.
A policeman directs a slingshot at an unknown target during a crackdown on protesters holding a rally in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank in Mandalay, Burma on Monday, February 15, 2021.
Ambassadors from the United States and Canada and twelve European countries called on Burma’s security forces to refrain from using force against those who ‘protest against the overthrow of their legitimate government’.
Protesters in the capital also demanded the release of students detained for the protest. One student told reporters that police arrested the students while they were protesting peacefully.
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Police have arrested an estimated 20 to 40 students, presumably between 13 and 16 years old.
Thousands of engineers march through the streets of Mandalay, singing and holding signs that read, “Free our leader,” “Who stands with justice?” and “Stop arresting people illegally around midnight.”
A man is being held by police during a crackdown on protesters holding a rally in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank in Mandalay, Burma on Monday, February 15, 2021. (AP Photo)
The U.S. State Department on Sunday approved the voluntary departure of U.S. non-emergency government officials and their families. The authorization was based on an increased potential for violence, continued telecommunications restrictions and restricted flights from Burma, according to a statement from the US Embassy in Burma.
The embassy remains open and continues to provide services to Americans in Burma.
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The Department of State has previously updated its Level 4 travel advice – “Do not travel” – due to the civil unrest and the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Burmese army detained and fired elected government officials,” the statement said. “Nationwide protests and protests against military rule have taken place and can continue.”
A soldier holds a long firearm during a crackdown on protesters holding a rally in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank in Mandalay, Burma on Monday, February 15, 2021. (AP Photo)
Burma’s military leaders have extended the detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi until February 17, when she is expected to appear by video conference.
When the military took power, it detained Suu Kyi and members of her government and prevented the newly elected legislators from opening a new parliament.
The junta, led by senior gen. Few. Aung Hlaing, said he stepped in because the government could not properly investigate allegations of fraud in last year’s election, which Suu Kyi won the National League for Democracy Party.
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The state election commission refuted this fight, saying there was no evidence to support it.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.