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Myanmar Military Government Continues Brutal Crackdown on Protesters

Tommy Walker

   HONG KONG - It has been more than five weeks since Myanmar's military
   took full control of the Southeast Asia nation, removing the
   democratically elected government, in a move that has sparked
   nationwide anti-coup protests.

   Tens of thousands of citizens have taken to the streets in
   demonstrations that have included widespread strikes from the
   professional class aiming to stifle the rule of the junta government,
   officially the State Administrative Council (SAC).

   But despite street rallies that have become a daily occurrence, the
   military has ramped up efforts to silence demonstrators by aggressively
   responding with live ammunition to quell protests. Dozens have died,
   including members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), the party
   of ousted de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

   Khin Maung Latt, a politician of the Rakhine constituency, died in
   police custody after overnight raids in Yangon on Saturday, a party
   official confirmed to VOA's Burmese service. Khin Maung Latt had
   actively campaigned for NLD candidates in both the 2015 and 2020
   Myanmar general elections.

   Local media reported Khin Maung Latt's family were informed he died
   after "fainting." But before he was arrested, he was beaten in his
   home, according to witnesses.

   Tun Kyi, spokesperson of the Association Assistance for Political
   Prisoners Burma (AAPPB), told VOA Burmese he accompanied the bereaved
   family to claim Khin Maung Latt's body and witnessed blood on his head,
   his fingers blackened, and wounds on his back. It is widely thought he
   was beaten and tortured to death by the authorities, though there has
   been no confirmation of such treatment. His funeral took place on
   Sunday. He was 58 years old. Police have not commented on the case.

   Sithu Maung, one of two Muslim lawmakers elected in Myanmar's last
   elections, told VOA Burmese that Khin Maung Latt was "my uncle, a
   friend and comrade" and that he was "very saddened by his death."

   "He was my campaign manager and also an activist. With his death, there
   was nothing legal about the whole process. If they want to arrest
   someone, they must have (a) warrant first," he later told VOA.

   The international rights group Human Rights Watch has called for the
   military junta to investigate the death of the Burmese politician, and
   to look into those who have "disappeared."
   Anti-coup demonstrators sprays fire extinguishers over a barricade
   during a protests in Yangon, Myanmar, March 9, 2021.

   "Myanmar's junta runs the security forces and can quickly find out who
   killed Khin Maung Latt if they want to. If they want to show they
   believe in the rule of law, all those responsible should be held
   account," Brian Adams, Asia director for [1]Human Rights Watch said.

   In response to the coup last month, the Committee Representing
   Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) was formed, representing the elected
   lawmakers of the ousted NLD party. After refusing to recognize the
   military, they have since notified diplomats and international
   parliaments they should liaise with the committee on government
   matters.

   Arkar Myo Htet admitted as the brutal crackdown continues in Myanmar,
   like many other NLD members, he could be next.

   "I stay hiding already. I have to move every three days. Over 100 NLD
   MP's are already in jail," he said.

   But despite the risk he faces, he believes the people of Myanmar are
   not afraid to protest the military, unlike previous revolutions.

   "When they threat in 1988 and 2007, the people did not have, did not
   feel the freedom. After five years of NLD government, people feel what
   the meaning is of democracy, why we need democracy," he added.

   But the military has stepped up their efforts to detain opposition
   members, legislator Sithu Maung added, saying that on Sunday evening
   his father had also been arrested.

   "My father Peter (from) Hlaing Township, NLD party member has been
   arrested by soldiers and police," part of his post on [2]Facebook read.

   He now waits anxiously on the fate of his father, just like many
   families who have had loved ones detained with little update on their
   condition. The AAPPB reported that 1,857 have been detained with 1,538
   still in detention or have faced charges since the coup began.

   Myanmar, also known as Burma, was ruled by armed forces from 1962 until
   2011 when democratic reforms led by Aung San Suu Kyi ended the military
   rule. In 2015, her NLD party won the country's first open democratic
   election.

   In the general elections in November 2020, the military-backed
   opposition lost heavily to Suu Kyi's democracy party. The opposition
   contested the results, claiming there was widespread electoral fraud.

   On February 1, the Myanmar military, also known as Tatmadaw, removed
   the NLD government.

   NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint were detained and
   additionally charged. The military announced a one-year-long state of
   emergency with commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing taking power. He
   later announced a "free and fair general election" would be held.

   Zin Thu Aung contributed to this report.

References

   1. https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/03/09/myanmar-urgently-investigate-nld-officials-death-custody
   2. https://www.facebook.com/100003746239924/posts/2213883242079862/?d=n