The head of Russia's state arms exporter said on Wednesday that Moscow was cooperating closely with&nbsp;Myanmar's ruling junta to supply it with military hardware including aircraft.

Rights activists have accused Moscow of legitimising the junta, which seized power in a February&nbsp;1 coup, by continuing bilateral visits and arms deals.

"There is close cooperation between us on the supply of military products, including aircraft," Alexander Mikheev, the head of Rosoboronexport, was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

He gave no further details.

Mikheev described&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;as one of Rosoboronexport's main clients in southeast Asia and a key partner of Rostec, Russia's state aerospace and defence conglomerate.

He made the comments at Russia's annual MAKS air show, which President Vladimir Putin attended on Tuesday.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told&nbsp;Myanmar's junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during his visit to the Russian capital last month that Moscow was committed to strengthening military ties.

Defence ties between the two countries have grown in recent years with Moscow providing army training and university scholarships to thousands of soldiers, as well as selling arms to a military blacklisted by several Western countries.

The head of Russia's state arms exporter said on Wednesday that Moscow was cooperating closely with Myanmar's ruling junta to supply it with military hardware including aircraft.

The head of Russia's state arms exporter said on Wednesday that Moscow was cooperating closely with Myanmar's ruling junta to supply it with military hardware including aircraft. Rights activists have accused Moscow of legitimising the junta, which seized power in a February 1 coup, by continuing bilateral visits and arms deals. "There is close cooperation between us on the supply of military products, including aircraft," Alexander Mikheev, the head of Rosoboronexport, was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency. He gave no further details. Mikheev described Myanmar as one of Rosoboronexport's main clients in southeast Asia and a key partner of Rostec, Russia's state aerospace and defence conglomerate. He made the comments at Russia's annual MAKS air show, which President Vladimir Putin attended on Tuesday. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told Myanmar's junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during his visit to the Russian capital last month that Moscow was committed to strengthening military ties. Defence ties between the two countries have grown in recent years with Moscow providing army training and university scholarships to thousands of soldiers, as well as selling arms to a military blacklisted by several Western countries.

Russia working closely with post-coup Myanmar on military supplies

First, the junta stole Myanmar’s elected leaders from the people. Now, doctors say, the generals have taken the oxygen that some citizens need to breathe.

As the delta variant of the coronavirus rampages through Myanmar, the military, which seized power in a February coup, has ordered that lifesaving oxygen be denied to private clinics, according to medical workers. The clinics are staffed largely by doctors who oppose the army’s takeover and refuse to work in state hospitals. Basic medical care for COVID patients has been turned into an illegal act, said Dr. Min Han, a doctor at a private clinic.

The military has also prevented people from buying supplies from oxygen producers, whom it accuses of price-gouging, forcing desperate family members to defy the army in order to save sick relatives. And it has stopped charities from giving oxygen to people who need it, witnesses and charity workers said.

This week, soldiers in the city of Yangon went so far as to fire into a crowd of people lined up to buy oxygen tanks, witnesses said.

Doctors accuse the military of trying to ensure that the scarce supply of oxygen is funneled to military hospitals, which cater to army families.

Denying oxygen to private clinics and citizens has prematurely ended hundreds of lives, medical workers say, adding a cruel political dimension to an escalating health crisis. Thousands more are at imminent risk of dying, they say. And with the junta having apparently reserved much of the vaccine supply for its loyal ranks, there is little hope that Myanmar’s COVID outbreak, by far its worst yet, will end anytime soon.

“An explosion of COVID cases, including the delta variant, the collapse of Myanmar’s health care system, and the deep mistrust of the people of Myanmar of anything connected to the military junta are a perfect storm of factors that could cause a significant loss of life in Myanmar without emergency assistance by the international community,” Tom Andrews, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said Wednesday.

Public anger toward the army — which has already shot dead hundreds of people protesting the coup, as well as children and other bystanders — has only hardened.

“I wonder if the military is trying to survive by making it so there are no people left in the country,” said Ko Thein Zaw, a resident of Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar.

Thein Zaw and his wife were married just before the putsch but canceled their honeymoon because of the turmoil. When his wife tested positive for COVID-19 this month, Thein Zaw scrambled to secure oxygen tanks for her. He could not find enough. On July 12, she died, gasping for breath.

“My wife died because of the coup and because the military is trying to destroy everything good for the people,” said Thein Zaw, who is now sick with COVID himself. “Myanmar is a nation in which there are many ways to die.”

On Wednesday, 7,083 people tested positive for COVID and 145 died, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. Medical experts say such official numbers are a fraction of the real caseload, given the shortage of testing and record-keeping.

In an alarming sign of how widespread Myanmar’s COVID outbreak has become, more than 34% of those tested had the disease. By contrast, the seven-day average positivity rate in the United States from late June to early July was 2.7%.

Less than one-third of the people in Myanmar who need oxygen can secure adequate supplies, said Ko Aung Aung Oo, president of a medical charity in Mandalay.

Yet even as the virus rages, the military-led government has tried to present itself as the people’s benefactor. State media quoted Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the junta chief, as batting away suggestions that oxygen supplies were being restricted by the army.

“Actually, we have enough oxygen,” the general said, according to the government-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper Tuesday. “The people do not need to worry about it so much and should not spread the rumor.”

Instead, the junta has accused sellers of oxygen cylinders of price-gouging. That was the reason it gave when it recently announced that people would no longer be allowed to buy from them directly.

The army has also heaped scorn on doctors and other medical workers who have refused to work at government hospitals as part of a much broader mass civil disobedience movement meant to make it impossible for the junta to govern.

But many state-employed doctors taking part in the labor stoppage, which has united more than 1 million government workers, are caring for patients privately.

“We find a way to help people,” said Dr. Hsu Mon, who is practicing at an underground clinic. “The military doesn’t care about how to help or how to work for people. They only work for their family members.”

This week, doctors at private clinics received directives from the junta forbidding them from receiving oxygen supplies, said Min Han, the private clinic physician.

While stockpiling oxygen for its ranks, the army has offered useless or dangerous advice to the populace. Garlic helps ward off COVID, state propaganda has suggested. So does citrus.

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Sports advised people who want to monitor their blood oxygen levels to download an app on their iPhones. Few people in Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest countries, own iPhones. And the app she recommended contained potentially dangerous misinformation about acceptable blood oxygen levels.

Meanwhile, soldiers have been actively disrupting oxygen supply lines. On Monday in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, security forces sprayed gunfire at a line of people waiting to buy oxygen. It was not immediately clear whether there were casualties. Asked about the incident, a Yangon health official said the people had to be dispersed because they were disobeying lockdown orders.

In the southeastern city of Mawlamyine, Ko Naing Win, a charity worker, said soldiers had arrived this week demanding to know how he had imported oxygen from neighboring Thailand. They told him to stop or face jail, Naing Win said.

He has stopped donating oxygen to the public. “People in need of oxygen keep coming to me in tears,” he said. “But I’m afraid that I will get arrested.”

COVID is also ripping through Myanmar’s prisons, which are crowded with thousands of people whose sole crime was opposing the coup, human rights groups said. Among those said to be critically ill are senior members of the National League for Democracy, the governing party that was ousted by the coup.

Danny Fenster, an American journalist who is locked up in Insein, Myanmar’s most notorious prison, has developed symptoms consistent with COVID, his family said. He has not been tested nor received any medical treatment, they said.

“Thousands of political prisoners who have been arbitrarily detained since the coup are in grave danger,” said Andrews, the U.N. special rapporteur.

&nbsp;

First, the junta stole Myanmar’s elected leaders from the people. Now, doctors say, the generals have taken the oxygen that some citizens need to breathe. As the delta variant of the coronavirus rampages through Myanmar, the military, which seized power in a February coup, has ordered that lifesaving oxygen be denied to private clinics, according to medical workers.

First, the junta stole Myanmar’s elected leaders from the people. Now, doctors say, the generals have taken the oxygen that some citizens need to breathe. As the delta variant of the coronavirus rampages through Myanmar, the military, which seized power in a February coup, has ordered that lifesaving oxygen be denied to private clinics, according to medical workers. The clinics are staffed largely by doctors who oppose the army’s takeover and refuse to work in state hospitals. Basic medical care for COVID patients has been turned into an illegal act, said Dr. Min Han, a doctor at a private clinic. The military has also prevented people from buying supplies from oxygen producers, whom it accuses of price-gouging, forcing desperate family members to defy the army in order to save sick relatives. And it has stopped charities from giving oxygen to people who need it, witnesses and charity workers said. This week, soldiers in the city of Yangon went so far as to fire into a crowd of people lined up to buy oxygen tanks, witnesses said. Doctors accuse the military of trying to ensure that the scarce supply of oxygen is funneled to military hospitals, which cater to army families. Denying oxygen to private clinics and citizens has prematurely ended hundreds of lives, medical workers say, adding a cruel political dimension to an escalating health crisis. Thousands more are at imminent risk of dying, they say. And with the junta having apparently reserved much of the vaccine supply for its loyal ranks, there is little hope that Myanmar’s COVID outbreak, by far its worst yet, will end anytime soon. “An explosion of COVID cases, including the delta variant, the collapse of Myanmar’s health care system, and the deep mistrust of the people of Myanmar of anything connected to the military junta are a perfect storm of factors that could cause a significant loss of life in Myanmar without emergency assistance by the international community,” Tom Andrews, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said Wednesday. Public anger toward the army — which has already shot dead hundreds of people protesting the coup, as well as children and other bystanders — has only hardened. “I wonder if the military is trying to survive by making it so there are no people left in the country,” said Ko Thein Zaw, a resident of Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar. Thein Zaw and his wife were married just before the putsch but canceled their honeymoon because of the turmoil. When his wife tested positive for COVID-19 this month, Thein Zaw scrambled to secure oxygen tanks for her. He could not find enough. On July 12, she died, gasping for breath. “My wife died because of the coup and because the military is trying to destroy everything good for the people,” said Thein Zaw, who is now sick with COVID himself. “Myanmar is a nation in which there are many ways to die.” On Wednesday, 7,083 people tested positive for COVID and 145 died, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. Medical experts say such official numbers are a fraction of the real caseload, given the shortage of testing and record-keeping. In an alarming sign of how widespread Myanmar’s COVID outbreak has become, more than 34% of those tested had the disease. By contrast, the seven-day average positivity rate in the United States from late June to early July was 2.7%. Less than one-third of the people in Myanmar who need oxygen can secure adequate supplies, said Ko Aung Aung Oo, president of a medical charity in Mandalay. Yet even as the virus rages, the military-led government has tried to present itself as the people’s benefactor. State media quoted Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the junta chief, as batting away suggestions that oxygen supplies were being restricted by the army. “Actually, we have enough oxygen,” the general said, according to the government-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper Tuesday. “The people do not need to worry about it so much and should not spread the rumor.” Instead, the junta has accused sellers of oxygen cylinders of price-gouging. That was the reason it gave when it recently announced that people would no longer be allowed to buy from them directly. The army has also heaped scorn on doctors and other medical workers who have refused to work at government hospitals as part of a much broader mass civil disobedience movement meant to make it impossible for the junta to govern. But many state-employed doctors taking part in the labor stoppage, which has united more than 1 million government workers, are caring for patients privately. “We find a way to help people,” said Dr. Hsu Mon, who is practicing at an underground clinic. “The military doesn’t care about how to help or how to work for people. They only work for their family members.” This week, doctors at private clinics received directives from the junta forbidding them from receiving oxygen supplies, said Min Han, the private clinic physician. While stockpiling oxygen for its ranks, the army has offered useless or dangerous advice to the populace. Garlic helps ward off COVID, state propaganda has suggested. So does citrus. On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Sports advised people who want to monitor their blood oxygen levels to download an app on their iPhones. Few people in Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest countries, own iPhones. And the app she recommended contained potentially dangerous misinformation about acceptable blood oxygen levels. Meanwhile, soldiers have been actively disrupting oxygen supply lines. On Monday in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, security forces sprayed gunfire at a line of people waiting to buy oxygen. It was not immediately clear whether there were casualties. Asked about the incident, a Yangon health official said the people had to be dispersed because they were disobeying lockdown orders. In the southeastern city of Mawlamyine, Ko Naing Win, a charity worker, said soldiers had arrived this week demanding to know how he had imported oxygen from neighboring Thailand. They told him to stop or face jail, Naing Win said. He has stopped donating oxygen to the public. “People in need of oxygen keep coming to me in tears,” he said. “But I’m afraid that I will get arrested.” COVID is also ripping through Myanmar’s prisons, which are crowded with thousands of people whose sole crime was opposing the coup, human rights groups said. Among those said to be critically ill are senior members of the National League for Democracy, the governing party that was ousted by the coup. Danny Fenster, an American journalist who is locked up in Insein, Myanmar’s most notorious prison, has developed symptoms consistent with COVID, his family said. He has not been tested nor received any medical treatment, they said. “Thousands of political prisoners who have been arbitrarily detained since the coup are in grave danger,” said Andrews, the U.N. special rapporteur.

As COVID rages in Myanmar, army hoards oxygen, doctors say

Protesters hit the streets across Myanmar on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of 1962 student protests against the country's first junta, vowing defiance against its latest incarnation more than five months after it seized power.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the generals ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February, with pro-democracy protests met by a brutal military crackdown that has killed more than 880, according to a local monitoring group.

The economy is in freefall with thousands of civil servants and doctors on strike and coronavirus cases in the impoverished country spiking.

Around one hundred protesters moved quickly through the commercial capital Yangon early Wednesday, AFP reporters said, to mark the 1962 Yangon university protests against the first imposition of military rule in Myanmar.

Hundreds were killed by troops and thousands disappeared in a brutal crackdown many see being repeated almost seven decades later.

"Let's root out the fascist army," they chanted, as some let off smoke bombs in orange and blue.

"Keep the spirit of July 7 and fight the military dictatorship."

Two minutes later they had gone -- scattering quickly down side streets or jumping into waiting cars -- informants have tipped off police to previous flashmobs and protesters have been arrested.&nbsp;

Dozens also gathered in the second city of Mandalay holding signs and in the central Sagaing region, protesters burned an army flag, images on local media showed. &nbsp;

Myanmar has been ruled almost continually by the military since 1962, just over a decade since independence from Britain.

It emerged from outright military rule in 2011, enacting economic and political reforms, including multiparty elections.

Suy Kyi's National League for Democracy won a thumping majority in elections in 2015 and again in 2020, relegating the main military-backed party to the opposition.

Protests that drew hundreds of thousands onto the streets in February and March have given way to more nimble rallies in the face of a brutal crackdown that has seen security forces use semi-automatic weapons on protesters.

The junta has justified its power seizure as a means to protect democracy, alleging electoral fraud in November elections which Suu Kyi's party won in a landslide.

Protesters hit the streets across Myanmar on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of 1962 student protests against the country's first junta, vowing defiance against its latest incarnation more than five months after it seized power.

Protesters hit the streets across Myanmar on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of 1962 student protests against the country's first junta, vowing defiance against its latest incarnation more than five months after it seized power. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the generals ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February, with pro-democracy protests met by a brutal military crackdown that has killed more than 880, according to a local monitoring group. The economy is in freefall with thousands of civil servants and doctors on strike and coronavirus cases in the impoverished country spiking. Around one hundred protesters moved quickly through the commercial capital Yangon early Wednesday, AFP reporters said, to mark the 1962 Yangon university protests against the first imposition of military rule in Myanmar. Hundreds were killed by troops and thousands disappeared in a brutal crackdown many see being repeated almost seven decades later. "Let's root out the fascist army," they chanted, as some let off smoke bombs in orange and blue. "Keep the spirit of July 7 and fight the military dictatorship." Two minutes later they had gone -- scattering quickly down side streets or jumping into waiting cars -- informants have tipped off police to previous flashmobs and protesters have been arrested. Dozens also gathered in the second city of Mandalay holding signs and in the central Sagaing region, protesters burned an army flag, images on local media showed. Myanmar has been ruled almost continually by the military since 1962, just over a decade since independence from Britain. It emerged from outright military rule in 2011, enacting economic and political reforms, including multiparty elections. Suy Kyi's National League for Democracy won a thumping majority in elections in 2015 and again in 2020, relegating the main military-backed party to the opposition. Protests that drew hundreds of thousands onto the streets in February and March have given way to more nimble rallies in the face of a brutal crackdown that has seen security forces use semi-automatic weapons on protesters. The junta has justified its power seizure as a means to protect democracy, alleging electoral fraud in November elections which Suu Kyi's party won in a landslide.

Myanmar protesters mark 1962 rallies against first junta

The US on Friday announced fresh sanctions on 22 persons including four Myanmar government ministers. The Treasury and Commerce Department, in a two-pronged action, announced the sanctions &nbsp;as part of Washington's continued response to the overthrow of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government

Aung San Suu Kyi's government was toppled by Myanmar military junta in a coup on February 1. The country has been rocked by pro-democracy protests. Military junta has received international condemnation for the disproportionate use of force against the demonstrators.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the new sanctions were levied "in response to the brutal campaign of violence perpetrated by the Burmese military regime and to continue imposing costs in connection with the military coup."

The sanctions do not target the Myanmar people, but are aimed at pressuring the military to "immediately restore Burma's path to democracy," Blinken said.

Myanmar's minister of information Chit Naing, minister for investment Aung Naing Oo, &nbsp;labor and immigration minister Myint Kyaing, and Thet Thet Khine, the minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement are the ministers the US led sanctions have targetted.

Three members of the powerful State Administrative Council were also hit with sanctions, as were 15 spouses and adult children of officials, in an expansion of US punishments imposed in February, March and May following the coup.

Under the sanctions, all US property in the name of the individuals are blocked, and Americans or people in the United States are prohibited from conducting property or interest transactions with them.

Andrea Gacki, director of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement the action demonstrates Washington "will continue to impose increasing costs on Burma's military and promote accountability for those responsible for the military coup and ongoing violence."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The US on Friday announced fresh sanctions on 22 persons including four Myanmar government ministers. The Treasury and Commerce Department, in a two-pronged action, announced the sanctions as part of Washington's continued response to the overthrow of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government Aung San Suu Kyi's government was toppled by Myanmar military junta in a coup on February 1.

The US on Friday announced fresh sanctions on 22 persons including four Myanmar government ministers. The Treasury and Commerce Department, in a two-pronged action, announced the sanctions as part of Washington's continued response to the overthrow of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government Aung San Suu Kyi's government was toppled by Myanmar military junta in a coup on February 1. The country has been rocked by pro-democracy protests. Military junta has received international condemnation for the disproportionate use of force against the demonstrators. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the new sanctions were levied "in response to the brutal campaign of violence perpetrated by the Burmese military regime and to continue imposing costs in connection with the military coup." The sanctions do not target the Myanmar people, but are aimed at pressuring the military to "immediately restore Burma's path to democracy," Blinken said. Myanmar's minister of information Chit Naing, minister for investment Aung Naing Oo, labor and immigration minister Myint Kyaing, and Thet Thet Khine, the minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement are the ministers the US led sanctions have targetted. Three members of the powerful State Administrative Council were also hit with sanctions, as were 15 spouses and adult children of officials, in an expansion of US punishments imposed in February, March and May following the coup. Under the sanctions, all US property in the name of the individuals are blocked, and Americans or people in the United States are prohibited from conducting property or interest transactions with them. Andrea Gacki, director of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement the action demonstrates Washington "will continue to impose increasing costs on Burma's military and promote accountability for those responsible for the military coup and ongoing violence." (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar coup: US imposes fresh sanctions on 22 persons

Myanmar's authorities will free around 700 prisoners from Yangon's Insein jail on Wednesday, prison chief Zaw Zaw told Reuters, in a release that is expected to include some of the thousands of people detained for opposing military rule.

The prison chief said he did not have a list of those being released, but BBC Burmese language news reported it would include people accused of incitement after speaking out against the coup.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-aung-sang-suu-kyi-to-omar-al-bashir-fate-of-ousted-leaders-391656" hreflang="en">From Aung Sang Suu Kyi to Omar al-Bashir: Fate of ousted leaders</a>

A crowd of people gathered ahead of the release outside the Insein prison, a colonial-era jail on the outskirts of the commercial hub of Yangon, photographs on social media showed.

The&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Now news portal reported that across the country about 2,000 prisoners would be released. A prisons department official declined to comment.

Since the junta ousted the elected government of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on February&nbsp;1, authorities have faced daily strikes that have paralysed official and private business, while ethnic insurgencies, that have beset&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;for decades, have also flared up.

Many people have been arrested under section 505A of the penal code, which criminalises comments that could cause fear or spread false news and is punishable by up to three years in jail.

More than 5,200 people are being held in detention, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. It also says 883 people have been killed - a figure challenged by the junta.

On Tuesday, the army run Myawaddy television said authorities had dropped charges against 24 celebrities who had been declared wanted under the anti-incitement law after anti-government comments.

Actors, sportspeople, social media influencers, doctors and teachers have been among hundreds of people listed as wanted for opposing the junta.

Suu Kyi, 76, along with other members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party have been held in detention since the military overthrew her elected civilian government.

She is accused of a series of offences ranging from bribery and violating coronavirus protocols to illegally possessing two-way radios and incitement to commit crimes against the state - allegations her lawyers reject.

The military said it took power after accusing Suu Kyi's party of a manipulated vote that swept it to power in a November poll, though the election commission at the time rejected its complaints. The NLD said it won fairly.

Myanmar's authorities will free around 700 prisoners from Yangon's Insein jail on Wednesday, prison chief Zaw Zaw told Reuters, in a release that is expected to include some of the thousands of people detained for opposing military rule.

Myanmar's authorities will free around 700 prisoners from Yangon's Insein jail on Wednesday, prison chief Zaw Zaw told Reuters, in a release that is expected to include some of the thousands of people detained for opposing military rule. The prison chief said he did not have a list of those being released, but BBC Burmese language news reported it would include people accused of incitement after speaking out against the coup. Also see| From Aung Sang Suu Kyi to Omar al-Bashir: Fate of ousted leaders A crowd of people gathered ahead of the release outside the Insein prison, a colonial-era jail on the outskirts of the commercial hub of Yangon, photographs on social media showed. The Myanmar Now news portal reported that across the country about 2,000 prisoners would be released. A prisons department official declined to comment. Since the junta ousted the elected government of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, authorities have faced daily strikes that have paralysed official and private business, while ethnic insurgencies, that have beset Myanmar for decades, have also flared up. Many people have been arrested under section 505A of the penal code, which criminalises comments that could cause fear or spread false news and is punishable by up to three years in jail. More than 5,200 people are being held in detention, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. It also says 883 people have been killed - a figure challenged by the junta. On Tuesday, the army run Myawaddy television said authorities had dropped charges against 24 celebrities who had been declared wanted under the anti-incitement law after anti-government comments. Actors, sportspeople, social media influencers, doctors and teachers have been among hundreds of people listed as wanted for opposing the junta. Suu Kyi, 76, along with other members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party have been held in detention since the military overthrew her elected civilian government. She is accused of a series of offences ranging from bribery and violating coronavirus protocols to illegally possessing two-way radios and incitement to commit crimes against the state - allegations her lawyers reject. The military said it took power after accusing Suu Kyi's party of a manipulated vote that swept it to power in a November poll, though the election commission at the time rejected its complaints. The NLD said it won fairly.

Myanmar junta to release 700 prisoners from Yangon's Insein jail

As Myanmar locals struggle to get their freedom back, the social media platform, Facebook, is reportedly promoting content that incites violence against Myanmar’s coup protesters.

According to a recent investigation carried out by the rights group Global Witness, it was found that Facebook recommends content that violates its own policies. The investigators found out that if someone likes the Myanmar military’s fan page, which has no recent posts related to violence, Facebook starts suggesting violent content.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-to-boost-military-ties-with-myanmar-as-junta-leader-visits-393334" hreflang="en">Russia says to boost military ties with Myanmar as junta leader visits</a>

Some of the posts that came up quite a lot were posters of people with the caption ‘wanted’. Investigators found an image of a young woman with the caption ‘wanted’ and the poster also offered a bounty of $10 million to find her 'dead or alive'. She is believed to be a participant of the group that burned down a factory after the military crackdown.

"This girl is the one who committed arson in Hlaing Tharyar. Her account has been deactivated.&nbsp;But she cannot run," some of the captions read.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-back-in-junta-court-on-sedition-charges-393182" hreflang="en">Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court on sedition charges</a>

It was also observed that several posts being promoted by Facebook’s suggestion algorithm include content that glorifies the Myanmar military and its violent actions, promotes misinformation and fake or incorrect data.

Facebook claims the staff is closely monitoring the issue and has taken action on content, pages, or groups that are breaking the rules set up by the social media platform.

As Myanmar locals struggle to get their freedom back, the social media platform, Facebook, is reportedly promoting content that incites violence against Myanmar’s coup protesters.

As Myanmar locals struggle to get their freedom back, the social media platform, Facebook, is reportedly promoting content that incites violence against Myanmar’s coup protesters. According to a recent investigation carried out by the rights group Global Witness, it was found that Facebook recommends content that violates its own policies. The investigators found out that if someone likes the Myanmar military’s fan page, which has no recent posts related to violence, Facebook starts suggesting violent content. Also read | Russia says to boost military ties with Myanmar as junta leader visits Some of the posts that came up quite a lot were posters of people with the caption ‘wanted’. Investigators found an image of a young woman with the caption ‘wanted’ and the poster also offered a bounty of $10 million to find her 'dead or alive'. She is believed to be a participant of the group that burned down a factory after the military crackdown. "This girl is the one who committed arson in Hlaing Tharyar. Her account has been deactivated. But she cannot run," some of the captions read. Also read | Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court on sedition charges It was also observed that several posts being promoted by Facebook’s suggestion algorithm include content that glorifies the Myanmar military and its violent actions, promotes misinformation and fake or incorrect data. Facebook claims the staff is closely monitoring the issue and has taken action on content, pages, or groups that are breaking the rules set up by the social media platform.

Myanmar: Facebook promotes violent content against coup protestors, study reveals

Britain on Monday added three Myamar entities to its sanctions list. Pearl and timber firms and `State Administration Council` are the two entities. The former is state-owned while that latter runs functions of the state. Notice about the sanctions has been posted on British givernemnt website.

Britain said there were reasonable grounds to believe the two state-owned enterprises provided funds to the military junta, and said the State Administration Council was responsible for, or had supported, the undermining of democracy in Myanmar.

Britain, the US and other Western states have imposed several sanctions in waves. This has been done in an effort to increase pressure on the military junta.

The military junta toppled the civilian government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1.

“Alongside our allies, we are placing sanctions on companies linked to Myanmar’s military junta, targeting the finances of this illegitimate regime," foreign minister Dominic Raab said.

“The military has continued its subversion of democracy and brutal killing of civilians. We will continue to hold the Junta to account and sanction those responsible, until democracy is restored.”

The junta`s allegations of irregularities in a November election were rejected by the electoral commission. 
Britain also strengthened its advice to businesses, stressing that they must "undertake enhanced supply chain due diligence and should not enter into trading relationships that benefit the Myanmar military."

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain on Monday added three Myamar entities to its sanctions list. Pearl and timber firms and `State Administration Council` are the two entities. The former is state-owned while that latter runs functions of the state.

Britain on Monday added three Myamar entities to its sanctions list. Pearl and timber firms and `State Administration Council` are the two entities. The former is state-owned while that latter runs functions of the state. Notice about the sanctions has been posted on British givernemnt website. Britain said there were reasonable grounds to believe the two state-owned enterprises provided funds to the military junta, and said the State Administration Council was responsible for, or had supported, the undermining of democracy in Myanmar. Britain, the US and other Western states have imposed several sanctions in waves. This has been done in an effort to increase pressure on the military junta. The military junta toppled the civilian government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1. “Alongside our allies, we are placing sanctions on companies linked to Myanmar’s military junta, targeting the finances of this illegitimate regime," foreign minister Dominic Raab said. “The military has continued its subversion of democracy and brutal killing of civilians. We will continue to hold the Junta to account and sanction those responsible, until democracy is restored.” The junta`s allegations of irregularities in a November election were rejected by the electoral commission. Britain also strengthened its advice to businesses, stressing that they must "undertake enhanced supply chain due diligence and should not enter into trading relationships that benefit the Myanmar military." (With inputs from agencies)

Britain tightens sanctions on Myanmar military junta

Myanmar military junta chief arrived in Moscow on Sunday to attend a security conference. This marks his second known trip abroad since a military coup in Myanmar.

Myanmar's junta leader arrives in Moscow for security conference

Myanmar's junta and villagers traded accusations Wednesday after a settlement was razed almost entirely to the ground in the centre of the coup-wracked country.

Villagers of Kin Ma in central Magway region told AFP junta forces were to blame for its near-destruction, while the military said "terrorists" and windy weather were responsible.

Mass protests against the February 1 coup have been met with a brutal military crackdown and violence has flared in several communities across Myanmar as civilians form "self-defence" forces to oppose the junta.

Junta troops came to the village&nbsp;on Tuesday hunting for members of a local self-defence force, one resident, a 48-year-old man who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP.

"As people ran, they (the military) shot the village with a rocket launcher. And then we saw the fire coming out from the village," he said.

"We thought they wouldn't destroy anything so we ran without taking any properties and left everything at home."

"There were 250 houses in the village, now there are only about 20 left," another villager told AFP, adding an elderly couple who were unable to flee had been killed in the fire.

"My house was also burned down to ashes... only the tin pole is left," he said.

Images published by local media showed plumes of smoke rising into the sky and the charred remains of buildings.&nbsp;

Local media also said an elderly couple had died in the fire.&nbsp;

According to junta authorities, the blaze started after "40 armed terrorists" torched the house of a local member of a pro-military party. &nbsp;

"Because of wind, the fire spread to nearby houses and about 70 percent of the village was burnt," the junta's media team said in a statement.

The military has sought to quell mass anti-coup protests with bloody crackdowns that have killed more than 850 civilians, according to a local monitoring group.

This has prompted civilians in some townships to form "defence forces", while some of Myanmar's ethnic rebel armies have stepped up offensives against the military.&nbsp;

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has justified his power grab by citing alleged electoral fraud in the November poll won by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy.

Myanmar's junta and villagers traded accusations Wednesday after a settlement was razed almost entirely to the ground in the centre of the coup-wracked country. Villagers of Kin Ma in central Magway region told AFP junta forces were to blame for its near-destruction, while the military said "terrorists" and windy weather were responsible.

Myanmar's junta and villagers traded accusations Wednesday after a settlement was razed almost entirely to the ground in the centre of the coup-wracked country. Villagers of Kin Ma in central Magway region told AFP junta forces were to blame for its near-destruction, while the military said "terrorists" and windy weather were responsible. Mass protests against the February 1 coup have been met with a brutal military crackdown and violence has flared in several communities across Myanmar as civilians form "self-defence" forces to oppose the junta. Junta troops came to the village on Tuesday hunting for members of a local self-defence force, one resident, a 48-year-old man who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP. "As people ran, they (the military) shot the village with a rocket launcher. And then we saw the fire coming out from the village," he said. "We thought they wouldn't destroy anything so we ran without taking any properties and left everything at home." "There were 250 houses in the village, now there are only about 20 left," another villager told AFP, adding an elderly couple who were unable to flee had been killed in the fire. "My house was also burned down to ashes... only the tin pole is left," he said. Images published by local media showed plumes of smoke rising into the sky and the charred remains of buildings. Local media also said an elderly couple had died in the fire. According to junta authorities, the blaze started after "40 armed terrorists" torched the house of a local member of a pro-military party. "Because of wind, the fire spread to nearby houses and about 70 percent of the village was burnt," the junta's media team said in a statement. The military has sought to quell mass anti-coup protests with bloody crackdowns that have killed more than 850 civilians, according to a local monitoring group. This has prompted civilians in some townships to form "defence forces", while some of Myanmar's ethnic rebel armies have stepped up offensives against the military. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has justified his power grab by citing alleged electoral fraud in the November poll won by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy.

Myanmar junta and villagers trade accusations after houses razed

Aung San Suu Kyi has been accused of accepting illegal payments in gold and more than half a million dollars in cash.

Myanmar coup: Junta hits Suu Kyi with new corruption charges

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) arrived in Myanmar for talks with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, as the coup-stricken nation enters its fifth month of crippling unrest.

ASEAN envoys arrive in Myanmar for talks with junta chief on ending violence

Myanmar’s Roman Catholic leader has called for attacks on places of worship to end after he said four people had died and more than eight were wounded when a group of mainly women and children sought refuge in a church during fighting this week.

The conflict between the army and forces opposed to military rule has escalated in recent days in eastern&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;near the border of Shan and Kayah states, with dozens of security forces and local fighters killed, according to residents and media reports.

Thousands of civilians have also fled their homes due to the fighting and have also suffered casualties.

"It is with immense sorrow and pain, we record our anguish at the attack on innocent civilians, who sought refuge in Sacred Heart Church, Kayanthayar," Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, who is the Archbishop of Yangon, said in a letter posted on Twitter.

The church in the district of Loikaw, the capital of Kayah State bordering Thailand, suffered extensive damage during the Sunday night attack, Bo said.

Myanmar&nbsp;is predominantly Buddhist but some areas including Kayah have large Christian communities.

"The violent acts, including continuous shelling, using heavy weaponary on a frightened group of largely women and children" had resulted in the casualties, he said.

"This needs to stop. We plead with you all...kindly do not escalate the war," he said.

Bo said that churches, hospitals and schools were protected during conflict by international conventions.

He said the attack had prompted people to flee into the jungle with more than 20,000 now displaced and in urgent need of food, medicine and hygiene.

Another resident in the area trying to help displaced people estimated on Wednesday the number who had fled their homes had now risen to between 30,000 and 50,000 and were still using churches to shelter in.

"The elderly and children are in the churches. All the churches have put up white flags in order to stop the shelling," said the 20-year-old, who asked not to be identified.

She said the situation remained tense in the area and accused the military of continuing to use heavy weapons against lightly armed local militia.

A junta spokesman did not answer phone calls seeking comment.

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in chaos since the army took power on Feb 1 and ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, with daily protests, marches and strikes nationwide against the junta, which has struggled to impose order as opposition against it grows.

It has responded with lethal force, killing more than 800 people, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. The military disputes this figure and coup leader Min Aung Hlaing recently said about 300 people had been killed in the unrest, including 47 police.

The military is also fighting on a growing number of fronts, against established ethnic minority armies, and rag-tag local militias formed in the past few weeks, many armed with rudimentary rifles and home-made weapons.

Min Aung Hlaing has played down the risk of violence spiralling into a bigger conflict.

"I don't think there will be a civil war," he told Hong Kong-based Chinese language broadcaster Phoenix Television Phoenix in a May 20 interview.

Myanmar’s Roman Catholic leader has called for attacks on places of worship to end after he said four people had died and more than eight were wounded when a group of mainly women and children sought refuge in a church during fighting this week.

Myanmar’s Roman Catholic leader has called for attacks on places of worship to end after he said four people had died and more than eight were wounded when a group of mainly women and children sought refuge in a church during fighting this week. The conflict between the army and forces opposed to military rule has escalated in recent days in eastern Myanmar near the border of Shan and Kayah states, with dozens of security forces and local fighters killed, according to residents and media reports. Thousands of civilians have also fled their homes due to the fighting and have also suffered casualties. "It is with immense sorrow and pain, we record our anguish at the attack on innocent civilians, who sought refuge in Sacred Heart Church, Kayanthayar," Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, who is the Archbishop of Yangon, said in a letter posted on Twitter. The church in the district of Loikaw, the capital of Kayah State bordering Thailand, suffered extensive damage during the Sunday night attack, Bo said. Myanmar is predominantly Buddhist but some areas including Kayah have large Christian communities. "The violent acts, including continuous shelling, using heavy weaponary on a frightened group of largely women and children" had resulted in the casualties, he said. "This needs to stop. We plead with you all...kindly do not escalate the war," he said. Bo said that churches, hospitals and schools were protected during conflict by international conventions. He said the attack had prompted people to flee into the jungle with more than 20,000 now displaced and in urgent need of food, medicine and hygiene. Another resident in the area trying to help displaced people estimated on Wednesday the number who had fled their homes had now risen to between 30,000 and 50,000 and were still using churches to shelter in. "The elderly and children are in the churches. All the churches have put up white flags in order to stop the shelling," said the 20-year-old, who asked not to be identified. She said the situation remained tense in the area and accused the military of continuing to use heavy weapons against lightly armed local militia. A junta spokesman did not answer phone calls seeking comment. Myanmar has been in chaos since the army took power on Feb 1 and ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, with daily protests, marches and strikes nationwide against the junta, which has struggled to impose order as opposition against it grows. It has responded with lethal force, killing more than 800 people, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. The military disputes this figure and coup leader Min Aung Hlaing recently said about 300 people had been killed in the unrest, including 47 police. The military is also fighting on a growing number of fronts, against established ethnic minority armies, and rag-tag local militias formed in the past few weeks, many armed with rudimentary rifles and home-made weapons. Min Aung Hlaing has played down the risk of violence spiralling into a bigger conflict. "I don't think there will be a civil war," he told Hong Kong-based Chinese language broadcaster Phoenix Television Phoenix in a May 20 interview.

Myanmar cardinal appeals for fighting to end after fatal church attack

Myanmar's deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi attended a court hearing on Monday, her first appearance in person since the military seized power on February 1. Prior to the hearing, Suu Kyi had only been permitted to speak with lawyers via a video link in the presence of security personnel.

Aung San Suu Kyi appears in court for first time since Myanmar coup

Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in his first interview since the February 1 coup said that the country’s deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi would soon appear in court.

Myanmar Junta Chief: Suu Kyi in good health, will appear soon

More than 125,000 school teachers in Myanmar have been suspended by the military authorities for joining a civil disobedience movement to oppose the military coup in February, an official of the Myanmar Teachers` Federation said. 
 
The suspensions have come days before the start of a new school year, which some teachers and parents are boycotting as part of the campaign that has paralysed the country since the coup cut short a decade of democratic reforms. 
 
A total of 125,900 school teachers had been suspended as of Saturday, said the official of the teachers` federation, who declined to give his name for fear of reprisals. He is already on the junta`s wanted list on charges of inciting disaffection. 
 
Myanmar had 430,000 school teachers according to the most recent data, from two years ago. 
 
"These are just statements to threaten people to come back to work. If they actually fire this many people, the whole system will stop," said the official, who is also a teacher. He said he had been told that the charges he faces would be dropped if he returns. 
 
Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman or the education ministry for comment. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper has called on teachers and students to return to schools to get the education system started again. 
 
The disruption at schools echoes that in the health sector and across government and private business since the Southeast Asian country was plunged into chaos by the coup and the arrest of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. 
 
Around 19,500 university staff have also been suspended, according to the teachers` group. 
 
PARENTS KEEP CHILDREN HOME 
 
Registrations begin next week for the school term that starts in June, but some parents said they also plan to keep their children out of school. 
 
"I am not going to enrol my daughter because I don`t want to give her education from military dictatorship. I also worry about her safety," said 42-year-old Myint, whose daughter is 14. 
 
Students, who have been at the forefront of daily protests at which hundreds of people have been killed by security forces, also said they planned to boycott classes. 
 
"I will only go back to school if we get back democracy," said Lwin, 18. 
 
Myanmar`s education system was already one of the poorest in the region - and ranked 92 of 93 countries in a global survey last year. 
 
Even under the leadership of Suu Kyi, who had championed education, spending was below 2% of gross domestic product. That was one of the lowest rates in the world, according to World Bank figures. 
 
A National Unity Government, set up underground by opponents of the junta, said it would do all it could to support the teachers and students itself - calling on foreign donors to stop funding the junta-controlled education ministry. 
 
"We will work with Myanmar`s educators who are refusing to support the cruel military," Sasa, who goes by one name and is a spokesman for the national unity government, said in an email to Reuters. "These great teachers and brave teachers will never be left behind."

More than 125,000 school teachers in Myanmar have been suspended by the military authorities for joining a civil disobedience movement to oppose the military coup in February, an official of the Myanmar Teachers` Federation said.

More than 125,000 school teachers in Myanmar have been suspended by the military authorities for joining a civil disobedience movement to oppose the military coup in February, an official of the Myanmar Teachers` Federation said. The suspensions have come days before the start of a new school year, which some teachers and parents are boycotting as part of the campaign that has paralysed the country since the coup cut short a decade of democratic reforms. A total of 125,900 school teachers had been suspended as of Saturday, said the official of the teachers` federation, who declined to give his name for fear of reprisals. He is already on the junta`s wanted list on charges of inciting disaffection. Myanmar had 430,000 school teachers according to the most recent data, from two years ago. "These are just statements to threaten people to come back to work. If they actually fire this many people, the whole system will stop," said the official, who is also a teacher. He said he had been told that the charges he faces would be dropped if he returns. Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman or the education ministry for comment. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper has called on teachers and students to return to schools to get the education system started again. The disruption at schools echoes that in the health sector and across government and private business since the Southeast Asian country was plunged into chaos by the coup and the arrest of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Around 19,500 university staff have also been suspended, according to the teachers` group. PARENTS KEEP CHILDREN HOME Registrations begin next week for the school term that starts in June, but some parents said they also plan to keep their children out of school. "I am not going to enrol my daughter because I don`t want to give her education from military dictatorship. I also worry about her safety," said 42-year-old Myint, whose daughter is 14. Students, who have been at the forefront of daily protests at which hundreds of people have been killed by security forces, also said they planned to boycott classes. "I will only go back to school if we get back democracy," said Lwin, 18. Myanmar`s education system was already one of the poorest in the region - and ranked 92 of 93 countries in a global survey last year. Even under the leadership of Suu Kyi, who had championed education, spending was below 2% of gross domestic product. That was one of the lowest rates in the world, according to World Bank figures. A National Unity Government, set up underground by opponents of the junta, said it would do all it could to support the teachers and students itself - calling on foreign donors to stop funding the junta-controlled education ministry. "We will work with Myanmar`s educators who are refusing to support the cruel military," Sasa, who goes by one name and is a spokesman for the national unity government, said in an email to Reuters. "These great teachers and brave teachers will never be left behind."

More than 125,000 Myanmar teachers suspended for opposing coup

Fighters opposed to&nbsp;Myanmar's military junta&nbsp;seized a&nbsp;police&nbsp;station in the eastern town of Mobye on Sunday and claimed to have&nbsp;killed at least 13 members of the&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;and captured four, local media said.

Videos shared on social media showed what appeared to be the dead bodies of&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;in the latest attack of a general upsurge of conflict in parts of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;since the Feb. 1&nbsp;coup&nbsp;that overthrew elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

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A gun battle also erupted near the Chinese border early on Sunday, while on Saturday an armed ethnic group opposed to the&nbsp;coup&nbsp;launched an attack on a jade mining town on the other side of&nbsp;Myanmar, near India.

Video from Mobye showed bodies in the uniforms of the&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces, while other pictures showed four men who were said to be&nbsp;police&nbsp;with their hands behind their backs and blindfolded with surgical masks.

A&nbsp;police&nbsp;vehicle was shown in flames as dozens of fighters milled at the scene.

Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman or to independently confirm the video or the accounts of the fighting.

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The Irrawaddy news outlet quoted a fighter from the local People's Defence Force as saying the&nbsp;police&nbsp;station had been set on fire and that two civilians had been wounded in the fighting. Reports from other media said up to 15 members of the&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;had been&nbsp;killed.

Mobye is around 100 km (60 miles) east of the capital Naypyidaw but lies near territory held by some of the ethnic armed groups that have fought for greater autonomy for decades.

An alliance of four ethnic groups opposing the&nbsp;coup&nbsp;battled early on Sunday with&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;in Muse, one of the main border crossings to China,&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;media said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-than-125000-myanmar-teachers-suspended-for-opposing-coup-386795">More than 125,000 Myanmar teachers suspended for opposing coup</a>

Since the army took power, local People's Defence&nbsp;Forces&nbsp;have also sprung up to oppose the junta - often armed with shotguns and homemade weapons. The video from Mobye showed at least one fighter firing an assault rifle.

While the junta is struggling with renewed conflict on several fronts, it also faces daily protests and strikes that have paralysed hospitals, schools and much private business.

Teachers Suspended

More than 125,000 school teachers - nearly a third of the total - have been suspended for joining a civil disobedience movement to oppose the&nbsp;coup, an official of the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Teachers' Federation said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-junta-chief-suu-kyi-in-good-health-will-appear-soon-386813/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At least 815 people have been&nbsp;killed by&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;since the&nbsp;coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group.

The junta disputes that figure. Its leader, Min Aung Hlaing, said in comments broadcast on Saturday that 300 people had been&nbsp;killed in addition to 47&nbsp;police.

Protesters also demand the release of nearly 4,300 people who have been arrested since the&nbsp;coup, including Suu Kyi, 75.

Min Aung Hlaing said Suu Kyi was healthy and would soon appear in court. Her next hearing is on Monday on some of the many charges brought against her, which range from illegal possession of walkie-talkie radios to breaching a state secrets law.

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&nbsp;

The army&nbsp;seized power claiming fraud in a general election won by Suu Kyi's party in November. Its accusations had been dismissed by the former electoral commission, dozens of whose officials are now locked up.

In further comments from an interview released by Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television on Sunday, Min Aung Hlaing sought to reassure Chinese businesses after some factories were set ablaze recently in the commercial capital Yangon.

"Our citizens are not being&nbsp;anti-China but it's the politics that cause the hatred," he said.

Some opponents of the&nbsp;coup&nbsp;have accused China of supporting the junta, which has been condemned by Western countries that have introduced limited sanctions. China has been milder in its approach and has said it seeks stability in its neighbour.

Fighters opposed to Myanmar's military junta seized a police station in the eastern town of Mobye on Sunday and claimed to have killed at least 13 members of the security forces and captured four, local media said.

Fighters opposed to Myanmar's military junta seized a police station in the eastern town of Mobye on Sunday and claimed to have killed at least 13 members of the security forces and captured four, local media said. Videos shared on social media showed what appeared to be the dead bodies of security forces in the latest attack of a general upsurge of conflict in parts of Myanmar since the Feb. 1 coup that overthrew elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Also Read | Myanmar displaced shelter in camps in border state, France calls for aid A gun battle also erupted near the Chinese border early on Sunday, while on Saturday an armed ethnic group opposed to the coup launched an attack on a jade mining town on the other side of Myanmar, near India. Video from Mobye showed bodies in the uniforms of the security forces, while other pictures showed four men who were said to be police with their hands behind their backs and blindfolded with surgical masks. A police vehicle was shown in flames as dozens of fighters milled at the scene. Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman or to independently confirm the video or the accounts of the fighting. Also Read | Myanmar junta threatens to dissolve Suu Kyi's party over election fraud The Irrawaddy news outlet quoted a fighter from the local People's Defence Force as saying the police station had been set on fire and that two civilians had been wounded in the fighting. Reports from other media said up to 15 members of the security forces had been killed. Mobye is around 100 km (60 miles) east of the capital Naypyidaw but lies near territory held by some of the ethnic armed groups that have fought for greater autonomy for decades. An alliance of four ethnic groups opposing the coup battled early on Sunday with security forces in Muse, one of the main border crossings to China, Myanmar media said. Also Read | More than 125,000 Myanmar teachers suspended for opposing coup Since the army took power, local People's Defence Forces have also sprung up to oppose the junta - often armed with shotguns and homemade weapons. The video from Mobye showed at least one fighter firing an assault rifle. While the junta is struggling with renewed conflict on several fronts, it also faces daily protests and strikes that have paralysed hospitals, schools and much private business. Teachers Suspended More than 125,000 school teachers - nearly a third of the total - have been suspended for joining a civil disobedience movement to oppose the coup, an official of the Myanmar Teachers' Federation said. At least 815 people have been killed by security forces since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. The junta disputes that figure. Its leader, Min Aung Hlaing, said in comments broadcast on Saturday that 300 people had been killed in addition to 47 police. Protesters also demand the release of nearly 4,300 people who have been arrested since the coup, including Suu Kyi, 75. Min Aung Hlaing said Suu Kyi was healthy and would soon appear in court. Her next hearing is on Monday on some of the many charges brought against her, which range from illegal possession of walkie-talkie radios to breaching a state secrets law. Also Read | Aung San Suu Kyi will appear soon, says Myanmar's military junta leader The army seized power claiming fraud in a general election won by Suu Kyi's party in November. Its accusations had been dismissed by the former electoral commission, dozens of whose officials are now locked up. In further comments from an interview released by Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television on Sunday, Min Aung Hlaing sought to reassure Chinese businesses after some factories were set ablaze recently in the commercial capital Yangon. "Our citizens are not being anti-China but it's the politics that cause the hatred," he said. Some opponents of the coup have accused China of supporting the junta, which has been condemned by Western countries that have introduced limited sanctions. China has been milder in its approach and has said it seeks stability in its neighbour.

Myanmar anti-coup insurgents seize police post, kill security forces

Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in his first interview since the February 1 coup said that the country’s deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi would soon appear in court.

The Southeast Asian country was pushed into a violent crisis in the aftermath of the coup. On Saturday, several ethnic armed groups attacked a military post in a northwestern jade mining town.

Suu Kyi had received the Nobel Peace Prize for standing up to previous military rulers in the country. Since the coup began over 4,000 people including her have been detained. Suu Kyi faces multiple charges including illegal possession of walkie-talkies to violating a law pertaining to state secrets.

"Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health. She is at her home and healthy. She is going to face trial at the court in a few days," Min Aung Hlaing told a Hong Kong-based Chinese language broadcaster Phoenix Television, of which bits were released on Saturday.

The 75-year-old Suu Kyi is highly revered across the country which is home 53 million people. Suu Kyi had brought democratic reforms to the country.

"She tried all she could," Min Aung Hlaing said. On Monday, Suu Kyi is set to appear in court in the capital city of Naypyidaw. Until now, she has appeared only once on a video link since the coup and has been disallowed from speaking directly to her lawyers.

The military junta claimed that she was not allowed to speak to her lawyers due to security reasons while the military faces daily protests, insurgencies and strikes across the country against military rule.

Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in his first interview since the February 1 coup said that the country’s deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi would soon appear in court. The Southeast Asian country was pushed into a violent crisis in the aftermath of the coup. On Saturday, several ethnic armed groups attacked a military post in a northwestern jade mining town. Suu Kyi had received the Nobel Peace Prize for standing up to previous military rulers in the country. Since the coup began over 4,000 people including her have been detained. Suu Kyi faces multiple charges including illegal possession of walkie-talkies to violating a law pertaining to state secrets. "Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health. She is at her home and healthy. She is going to face trial at the court in a few days," Min Aung Hlaing told a Hong Kong-based Chinese language broadcaster Phoenix Television, of which bits were released on Saturday. The 75-year-old Suu Kyi is highly revered across the country which is home 53 million people. Suu Kyi had brought democratic reforms to the country. "She tried all she could," Min Aung Hlaing said. On Monday, Suu Kyi is set to appear in court in the capital city of Naypyidaw. Until now, she has appeared only once on a video link since the coup and has been disallowed from speaking directly to her lawyers. The military junta claimed that she was not allowed to speak to her lawyers due to security reasons while the military faces daily protests, insurgencies and strikes across the country against military rule.

Aung San Suu Kyi will appear soon, says Myanmar's military junta leader

Myanmar's junta-appointed election commission will dissolve Aung San Suu Kyi's political party for vote fraud in a November election, local media reported on Friday, citing a commissioner, who threatened action against "traitors" involved.

News sites Myanmar Now and the Irrawaddy said the announcement was made at a meeting on Friday with political parties that was boycotted by many, including Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD).

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The army seized power on Feb. 1, overthrowing and detaining the elected civilian leader Suu Kyi, who led a non-violent struggle against dictatorship in the last two decades of the military's 1962-2011 rule of Myanmar.

The military justified its coup by accusing the NLD of obtaining a landslide victory through a manipulated vote, though the electoral commission at that time had rejected its complaints. The NLD says it won fairly.

The military has pledged to hold an election within two years, and hand power to the winner.

The NLD had committed fraud "so we will have to dissolve the party's registration", the chairman of the junta-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC), Thein Soe, was cited in the reports as saying. He was quoted saying those involved in election fraud "will be considered as traitors" and action taken against them.

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A spokesman for the military council did not answer calls seeking comment.

In its nightly news bulletin, state-run MRTV carried a report on the meeting of parties, which showed footage of Thein Soe, with his remarks summarised by an announcer.

MRTV made no specific mention of disbanding the NLD, but quoted Thein Soe as saying "unlawful actions of the ruling party will be punished".

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The National Unity Government (NUG), an underground alliance of pro-democracy groups that include the NLD, said the banning of the NLD was a military ploy to cling to power.

"The announcement that the junta's obedient electoral commission is banning the National League for Democracy is a blatantly undemocratic attempt to prolong military rule in defiance of the people," Dr Sasa, spokesman and minister in the shadow government, said in an emailed response to Reuters.

Country in Chaos

Myanmar has been in chaos since the coup, with daily protests, marches and strikes nationwide against the junta, which has responded with lethal force, killing more than 800 people and arresting nearly 5,000, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group.

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The junta has disputed that number. Reuters is unable independently verify casualties and arrests.

The military has struggled to impose order and is seeing fatal attacks on junta-appointed administrators, while fighting has erupted on numerous fronts between soldiers and newly formed and established ethnic minority armies in border areas.

Local media reported fighting between rebels and the military in Kayah state bordering Thailand on Friday, the latest flashpoint.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-general-assembly-to-consider-call-for-myanmar-arms-embargo-385594">UN General Assembly to consider call for Myanmar arms embargo</a>&nbsp;

Thousands of people have been displaced after artillery and helicopters were used during fighting between troops and a civilian militia in Mindat, a small hill town in northwestern Chin State, close to India.

The United Nations said it was alarmed by the violence there and urged access for humanitarian help.

The NLD was formed around leading opponents of military rule during a student-led uprising in 1988 and has won every election it was allowed to contest.

It was disbanded in 2010 for failure to register for an election held under a military-drafted constitution, but Suu Kyi contested subsequent polls after reforms introduced by the retired generals in charge of a nominally civilian administration.

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Co-founded by Suu Kyi, the NLD won a majority of seats in a 1990 election for a constituent assembly, but the junta did not recognise the result and it took until 2015 for her to come to power with a landslide win.

Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, 75, faces numerous charges filed in two courts, the most serious under a colonial-era official secrets act, punishable by 14 years in prison.

She has been allowed to speak with lawyers only via a video link in the presence of security personnel.

Myo Sat Tway, a politician with the People's Pioneer Party, told Reuters he attended Friday's meeting but did not hear the commissioner say specifically that the NLD would be dissolved.

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"When some political parties asked what extent and when action will be taken against NLD, he do not answer the question," Myo Sat Tway said.

Separately, the foreign minister of Japan, a major donor and important investor in Myanmar, on Friday said his country would have to rethink its aid provision to Myanmar if the situation there did not improve.

Myanmar's junta-appointed election commission will dissolve Aung San Suu Kyi's political party for vote fraud in a November election, local media reported on Friday, citing a commissioner, who threatened action against "traitors" involved.

Myanmar's junta-appointed election commission will dissolve Aung San Suu Kyi's political party for vote fraud in a November election, local media reported on Friday, citing a commissioner, who threatened action against "traitors" involved. News sites Myanmar Now and the Irrawaddy said the announcement was made at a meeting on Friday with political parties that was boycotted by many, including Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD). Also Read | Japan could freeze all aid to Myanmar, foreign minister warns The army seized power on Feb. 1, overthrowing and detaining the elected civilian leader Suu Kyi, who led a non-violent struggle against dictatorship in the last two decades of the military's 1962-2011 rule of Myanmar. The military justified its coup by accusing the NLD of obtaining a landslide victory through a manipulated vote, though the electoral commission at that time had rejected its complaints. The NLD says it won fairly. The military has pledged to hold an election within two years, and hand power to the winner. The NLD had committed fraud "so we will have to dissolve the party's registration", the chairman of the junta-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC), Thein Soe, was cited in the reports as saying. He was quoted saying those involved in election fraud "will be considered as traitors" and action taken against them. Also Read | Myanmar displaced shelter in camps in border state, France calls for aid A spokesman for the military council did not answer calls seeking comment. In its nightly news bulletin, state-run MRTV carried a report on the meeting of parties, which showed footage of Thein Soe, with his remarks summarised by an announcer. MRTV made no specific mention of disbanding the NLD, but quoted Thein Soe as saying "unlawful actions of the ruling party will be punished". Also Read | How Myanmar's military moved in on the telecoms sector to spy on citizens The National Unity Government (NUG), an underground alliance of pro-democracy groups that include the NLD, said the banning of the NLD was a military ploy to cling to power. "The announcement that the junta's obedient electoral commission is banning the National League for Democracy is a blatantly undemocratic attempt to prolong military rule in defiance of the people," Dr Sasa, spokesman and minister in the shadow government, said in an emailed response to Reuters. Country in Chaos Myanmar has been in chaos since the coup, with daily protests, marches and strikes nationwide against the junta, which has responded with lethal force, killing more than 800 people and arresting nearly 5,000, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. Also Read | UN vote on call to stop arms supply to Myanmar postponed The junta has disputed that number. Reuters is unable independently verify casualties and arrests. The military has struggled to impose order and is seeing fatal attacks on junta-appointed administrators, while fighting has erupted on numerous fronts between soldiers and newly formed and established ethnic minority armies in border areas. Local media reported fighting between rebels and the military in Kayah state bordering Thailand on Friday, the latest flashpoint. Also Read | UN General Assembly to consider call for Myanmar arms embargo Thousands of people have been displaced after artillery and helicopters were used during fighting between troops and a civilian militia in Mindat, a small hill town in northwestern Chin State, close to India. The United Nations said it was alarmed by the violence there and urged access for humanitarian help. The NLD was formed around leading opponents of military rule during a student-led uprising in 1988 and has won every election it was allowed to contest. It was disbanded in 2010 for failure to register for an election held under a military-drafted constitution, but Suu Kyi contested subsequent polls after reforms introduced by the retired generals in charge of a nominally civilian administration. Also Read | Do not give in to evil and division, Pope tells Myanmar community Co-founded by Suu Kyi, the NLD won a majority of seats in a 1990 election for a constituent assembly, but the junta did not recognise the result and it took until 2015 for her to come to power with a landslide win. Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, 75, faces numerous charges filed in two courts, the most serious under a colonial-era official secrets act, punishable by 14 years in prison. She has been allowed to speak with lawyers only via a video link in the presence of security personnel. Myo Sat Tway, a politician with the People's Pioneer Party, told Reuters he attended Friday's meeting but did not hear the commissioner say specifically that the NLD would be dissolved. Also Read | Myanmar anti-coup fighters retreat from town as US makes appeal "When some political parties asked what extent and when action will be taken against NLD, he do not answer the question," Myo Sat Tway said. Separately, the foreign minister of Japan, a major donor and important investor in Myanmar, on Friday said his country would have to rethink its aid provision to Myanmar if the situation there did not improve.

Myanmar Junta's electoral body to dissolve Suu Kyi party

Children and the elderly make up a large proportion of people taking refuge in camps in northwest&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;to escape fighting between the army and insurgents, residents said on Thursday, as France called for urgent delivery of humanitarian aid.

In the past week, Chin State bordering India has seen some of the most serious fightings since&nbsp;Myanmar's military seized power in a coup on Feb. 1 and removed the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

India said this week more than 15,000 people had crossed the border to seek refuge there but residents in Chin State said many of the most vulnerable were sheltering in camps around the town of Mindat after it was overrun by the army.

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"Children and the elderly make up a big proportion of the groups. Some didn't have sandals. They trekked through the forest barefoot for days," said a 34-year-old resident helping look after the displaced who asked not to be identified.

He said that villages around Mindat were looking after about 2,000 displaced people in camps and churches, while access to the town that was once home to more than 40,000 people had been blocked.

"We will face food shortage after a week," said the resident, adding that petrol supplies were about to run out.

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Pleading for international aid, another resident said the camp he was at had 13 bags of rice and would see shortages soon with the 140 people there now expected to swell to 300.

Those fleeing say thousands of people left Mindat after the army attacked to root out fighters of the Chinland Defence Force, who are aligned with a National Unity Government formed by the junta's opponents.

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The French Embassy in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;in a statement on its Facebook page blamed a "disproportionate use of force and war weapons against civilians by the military" for causing a loss of human life and the displacement of thousands in Chin State.

"The restoration of access to water and electricity as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid for population in need are an immediate necessity," the embassy said.

Fighting in the area was still going on and a citizens' administrative group said in a post on social media Chin militia had killed three soldiers on a rod out of Mindat on Wednesday.

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A spokesman for the junta did not answer calls seeking comment.

Since overthrowing and detaining Suu Kyi, the junta has struggled to impose its authority in the face of daily protests, paralysing strikes and an upsurge of fighting against old and new groups of ethnic minority fighters.

At least 10 people had been killed in Chin State in the past week, according to figures from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. It puts the countrywide death toll since the coup at 807, a figure disputed by the army.

The United Nations said nearly 10,000 people had been displaced in Kachin State in the north by renewed fighting since mid-March. Thousands have also been displaced by clashes in the east and northeast.

Children and the elderly make up a large proportion of people taking refuge in camps in northwest Myanmar to escape fighting between the army and insurgents, residents said on Thursday, as France called for urgent delivery of humanitarian aid.

Children and the elderly make up a large proportion of people taking refuge in camps in northwest Myanmar to escape fighting between the army and insurgents, residents said on Thursday, as France called for urgent delivery of humanitarian aid. In the past week, Chin State bordering India has seen some of the most serious fightings since Myanmar's military seized power in a coup on Feb. 1 and removed the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. India said this week more than 15,000 people had crossed the border to seek refuge there but residents in Chin State said many of the most vulnerable were sheltering in camps around the town of Mindat after it was overrun by the army. Also read | Kicked in the groin: Myanmar teen describes junta's brutal treatment of deta "Children and the elderly make up a big proportion of the groups. Some didn't have sandals. They trekked through the forest barefoot for days," said a 34-year-old resident helping look after the displaced who asked not to be identified. He said that villages around Mindat were looking after about 2,000 displaced people in camps and churches, while access to the town that was once home to more than 40,000 people had been blocked. "We will face food shortage after a week," said the resident, adding that petrol supplies were about to run out. Also read | Do not give in to evil and division, Pope tells Myanmar community Pleading for international aid, another resident said the camp he was at had 13 bags of rice and would see shortages soon with the 140 people there now expected to swell to 300. Those fleeing say thousands of people left Mindat after the army attacked to root out fighters of the Chinland Defence Force, who are aligned with a National Unity Government formed by the junta's opponents. Also read | How Myanmar's military moved in on the telecoms sector to spy on citizens The French Embassy in Myanmar in a statement on its Facebook page blamed a "disproportionate use of force and war weapons against civilians by the military" for causing a loss of human life and the displacement of thousands in Chin State. "The restoration of access to water and electricity as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid for population in need are an immediate necessity," the embassy said. Fighting in the area was still going on and a citizens' administrative group said in a post on social media Chin militia had killed three soldiers on a rod out of Mindat on Wednesday. Also read | UN General Assembly to consider call for Myanmar arms embargo A spokesman for the junta did not answer calls seeking comment. Since overthrowing and detaining Suu Kyi, the junta has struggled to impose its authority in the face of daily protests, paralysing strikes and an upsurge of fighting against old and new groups of ethnic minority fighters. At least 10 people had been killed in Chin State in the past week, according to figures from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. It puts the countrywide death toll since the coup at 807, a figure disputed by the army. The United Nations said nearly 10,000 people had been displaced in Kachin State in the north by renewed fighting since mid-March. Thousands have also been displaced by clashes in the east and northeast.

Myanmar displaced shelter in camps in border state, France calls for aid

Two officials at&nbsp;Myanmar's embassy in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;have become the latest&nbsp;diplomats&nbsp;dismissed by the&nbsp;junta&nbsp;after&nbsp;protesting&nbsp;the military coup in their country, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported Thursday.

Administrator Aung Soe Moe and a junior colleague were fired after they went on strike, the agency said.

Citing a leaked document, Kyodo said some 100&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;diplomats&nbsp;around the world have been dismissed after opposing the coup.

Myanmar's military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February, triggering a massive uprising that authorities have sought to quell with lethal force.

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Kyodo said the two&nbsp;diplomats&nbsp;left the embassy compound on March 11, days after posting on Facebook in support of peaceful anti-junta&nbsp;protests.

They did not resign but have had their diplomatic status and passports revoked, and are living in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;with the help of other&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;nationals, Kyodo said.

The&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;embassy has informed Japan's foreign ministry that diplomatic visas for the pair will no longer be valid, Japanese government spokesman Katsunobu Kato told reporters Thursday.

"The foreign ministry is studying what kind of response is appropriate, giving consideration to&nbsp;Myanmar's current situation," Kato added.

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Japan has criticised the coup in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and called for the restoration of democracy, but it has faced pressure to stake out a stronger position on the crisis.

The&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;embassy was not reachable for comment on Thursday.

In April, pro-junta&nbsp;diplomats&nbsp;seized the country's embassy in London, leaving the ambassador locked out after he called for the release of Suu Kyi.

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Other&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;diplomats&nbsp;including at the United Nations and in Berlin have also faced similar threats or oustings over their protests.

Japan has strong economic ties with&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and long-standing relations with its military.

Last week, a Japanese journalist arrested while covering the aftermath of the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;coup was released in a diplomatic gesture and returned to Japan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/japanese-journalist-held-in-myanmar-arrives-in-tokyo-385293">Japanese journalist held in Myanmar arrives in Tokyo</a>

Japan, a top aid donor to&nbsp;Myanmar, announced in March it was suspending new assistance in response to the coup, but stopped short of the sanctions imposed by some nations on military and police commanders.

Two officials at Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo have become the latest diplomats dismissed by the junta after protesting the military coup in their country, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported Thursday.

Two officials at Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo have become the latest diplomats dismissed by the junta after protesting the military coup in their country, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported Thursday. Administrator Aung Soe Moe and a junior colleague were fired after they went on strike, the agency said. Citing a leaked document, Kyodo said some 100 Myanmar diplomats around the world have been dismissed after opposing the coup. Myanmar's military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February, triggering a massive uprising that authorities have sought to quell with lethal force. Also read | Military takes control in Myanmar; Aung San Suu Kyi, senior leaders detained Kyodo said the two diplomats left the embassy compound on March 11, days after posting on Facebook in support of peaceful anti-junta protests. They did not resign but have had their diplomatic status and passports revoked, and are living in Tokyo with the help of other Myanmar nationals, Kyodo said. The Myanmar embassy has informed Japan's foreign ministry that diplomatic visas for the pair will no longer be valid, Japanese government spokesman Katsunobu Kato told reporters Thursday. "The foreign ministry is studying what kind of response is appropriate, giving consideration to Myanmar's current situation," Kato added. Also read | WION Exclusive: Myanmar will have civil war if fighting goes on, warns envoy to UK ousted by junta Japan has criticised the coup in Myanmar and called for the restoration of democracy, but it has faced pressure to stake out a stronger position on the crisis. The Myanmar embassy was not reachable for comment on Thursday. In April, pro-junta diplomats seized the country's embassy in London, leaving the ambassador locked out after he called for the release of Suu Kyi. Also read | Military Junta seized London embassy in 'coup', says Myanmar ambassador to the UK Other Myanmar diplomats including at the United Nations and in Berlin have also faced similar threats or oustings over their protests. Japan has strong economic ties with Myanmar and long-standing relations with its military. Last week, a Japanese journalist arrested while covering the aftermath of the Myanmar coup was released in a diplomatic gesture and returned to Japan. Also read | Japanese journalist held in Myanmar arrives in Tokyo Japan, a top aid donor to Myanmar, announced in March it was suspending new assistance in response to the coup, but stopped short of the sanctions imposed by some nations on military and police commanders.

Myanmar junta fires protesting diplomats in Tokyo: Eeport

Myanmar's army battled local militia fighters in the northwestern town of Mindat on Saturday, residents said, to try to quell a rebellion that has sprung up to oppose the junta which seized power in the Southeast Asian country in February.

The fighting is some of the heaviest since the coup and underlines the growing chaos as the junta struggles to impose order in the face of daily protests, strikes and sabotage attacks after it overthrew elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"We are running for our lives," one resident told Reuters from Mindat, a hill town just over 100 km (60 miles) from the border with India.

"There are around 20,000 people trapped in town, most of them are kids, old people," the resident added. "My friend's three nieces were hit by shrapnel. They are not even teens.”

The junta imposed martial law in Mindat on Thursday and then stepped up attacks on what it called "armed terrorists". A junta spokesman did not answer calls requesting comment on the fighting on Saturday.

Army-controlled Myawaddy television said around 1,000 "unscrupulous people" had attacked with small arms and homemade grenades in recent days, and that some members of the security forces were killed and others missing. It said security forces would work day and night to bring order.

Fighters of the Chinland Defence Force retreated as military reinforcements advanced with artillery bombardments and helicopter attacks, a member of a local administration set up by the junta's opponents told Reuters by phone.

Five civilians had been killed in Mindat in the past two days, said Doctor Sasa, minister of international cooperation in a shadow National Unity Government set up to rival the junta.

US&nbsp;APPEAL

"The military’s use of weapons of war against civilians, including this week in Mindat, is a further demonstration of the depths the regime will sink to to hold on to power," the US&nbsp;Embassy in Myanmar said in a statement. "We call on the military to cease violence against civilians."

Myanmar already had some two dozen ethnic armed groups, who have waged war for decades against an army dominated by the Bamar majority.

The Chinland Defence Force was set up in response to the coup. Facing one of the region's best equipped armies, its fighters are armed largely with home-made hunting guns. Reuters was unable to reach the group for comment on Saturday.

At least 788 people have been killed by the junta's security forces in crackdowns on protests against its rule, according to an advocacy group.

The military, which disputes that number, imposes tight restrictions on media, information and the Internet. Reuters cannot independently verify arrests and casualty numbers.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told a news conference that 63 people had been killed recently in what he described as various "terrorist attacks" by the administration's opponents, appealing to people to inform on the attackers.

Anti-junta protests were held in the main city of Myanmar and many other towns on Saturday.

A poet who had criticised military rule had been soaked in gasoline and burned to death in the central town of Monywa on Friday, residents said. Sein Win was the third poet to be killed in the town, a stronghold of opposition to the junta.

The army took power alleging fraud in an election won by Suu Kyi's party in November. Its claims of irregularities were rejected by the electoral commission.

Myanmar's army battled local militia fighters in the northwestern town of Mindat on Saturday, residents said, to try to quell a rebellion that has sprung up to oppose the junta which seized power in the Southeast Asian country in February.

Myanmar's army battled local militia fighters in the northwestern town of Mindat on Saturday, residents said, to try to quell a rebellion that has sprung up to oppose the junta which seized power in the Southeast Asian country in February. The fighting is some of the heaviest since the coup and underlines the growing chaos as the junta struggles to impose order in the face of daily protests, strikes and sabotage attacks after it overthrew elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. "We are running for our lives," one resident told Reuters from Mindat, a hill town just over 100 km (60 miles) from the border with India. "There are around 20,000 people trapped in town, most of them are kids, old people," the resident added. "My friend's three nieces were hit by shrapnel. They are not even teens.” The junta imposed martial law in Mindat on Thursday and then stepped up attacks on what it called "armed terrorists". A junta spokesman did not answer calls requesting comment on the fighting on Saturday. Army-controlled Myawaddy television said around 1,000 "unscrupulous people" had attacked with small arms and homemade grenades in recent days, and that some members of the security forces were killed and others missing. It said security forces would work day and night to bring order. Fighters of the Chinland Defence Force retreated as military reinforcements advanced with artillery bombardments and helicopter attacks, a member of a local administration set up by the junta's opponents told Reuters by phone. Five civilians had been killed in Mindat in the past two days, said Doctor Sasa, minister of international cooperation in a shadow National Unity Government set up to rival the junta. US APPEAL "The military’s use of weapons of war against civilians, including this week in Mindat, is a further demonstration of the depths the regime will sink to to hold on to power," the US Embassy in Myanmar said in a statement. "We call on the military to cease violence against civilians." Myanmar already had some two dozen ethnic armed groups, who have waged war for decades against an army dominated by the Bamar majority. The Chinland Defence Force was set up in response to the coup. Facing one of the region's best equipped armies, its fighters are armed largely with home-made hunting guns. Reuters was unable to reach the group for comment on Saturday. At least 788 people have been killed by the junta's security forces in crackdowns on protests against its rule, according to an advocacy group. The military, which disputes that number, imposes tight restrictions on media, information and the Internet. Reuters cannot independently verify arrests and casualty numbers. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told a news conference that 63 people had been killed recently in what he described as various "terrorist attacks" by the administration's opponents, appealing to people to inform on the attackers. Anti-junta protests were held in the main city of Myanmar and many other towns on Saturday. A poet who had criticised military rule had been soaked in gasoline and burned to death in the central town of Monywa on Friday, residents said. Sein Win was the third poet to be killed in the town, a stronghold of opposition to the junta. The army took power alleging fraud in an election won by Suu Kyi's party in November. Its claims of irregularities were rejected by the electoral commission.

Myanmar army battles anti-coup rebels as armed resistance grows

Myanmar's junta has declared martial law in a town in Chin State after blaming "armed terrorists" for attacks on a police station and a bank, state media reported on Friday, amid an upsurge in fighting between the military and ethnic rebels in border areas.

In the face of widespread opposition, the junta has struggled to retain order amid daily protests in cities and fighting in border states since overthrowing elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi to end tentative steps towards democracy.

The unrest in the town of Mindat on Wednesday and Thursday involved about 100 people using homemade guns to attack a police station and about 50 targeting the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Economic Bank, the state&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;News Agency reported.

It said that the security forces had repelled the attack without suffering any casualties.

A document declaring the imposition of martial law in the town in Chin State, which borders India, was posted in The Global New Light of&nbsp;Myanmar, a state newspaper.

Reuters could not independently confirm the state media reports on the situation in Mindat.

But a document posted on social media by local media claiming to be from a rival anti-junta administration in the Mindat area said the declaration of martial law was invalid.

It also said that the fighting was triggered by the army breaking a promise to release seven civilians detained during recent protests.

A spokesman for the Chinland Defence Force, a newly formed militia, said it was behind the latest fighting and confirmed the authenticity of the document.

"They (the junta) can no longer rule the city except in some areas where they have bases. They have no control in the rural areas," said the spokesman, who said that one fighter from the force was killed and that clashes were continuing with the army bringing in reinforcements.

A spokesman for the junta could not immediately be reached for comment.

In a further sign of continuing defiance of military rule, video on social media showed pro-democracy supporters chanting "We believe that we gonna win, we must win, we must win" as they marched in&nbsp;Myanmar's commercial hub of Yangon on Friday.

With 788 people killed in a brutal suppression of protests by security forces, according to an advocacy group, some supporters of the ousted government have sought military training with insurgents that have battled the military for decades in border regions.

Reuters is unable to independently verify casualties and the military has imposed restrictions on the media, internet services and satellite broadcasts.

Fighting has intensified in some border areas since the Feb. 1 coup, with ethnic militias stepping up attacks, overrunning military posts and downing a military helicopter.

Formed a week ago by the National Unity Government opposed to the generals, a group called the People's Defence Forces has enlisted support from ethnic armed groups that have long regarded Mynamar's military as their greatest foe.

Called to arms since the coup, their fighters have ambushed security forces and assassinated junta-appointed administrators.

Myanmar's junta has declared martial law in a town in Chin State after blaming "armed terrorists" for attacks on a police station and a bank, state media reported on Friday, amid an upsurge in fighting between the military and ethnic rebels in border areas.

Myanmar's junta has declared martial law in a town in Chin State after blaming "armed terrorists" for attacks on a police station and a bank, state media reported on Friday, amid an upsurge in fighting between the military and ethnic rebels in border areas. In the face of widespread opposition, the junta has struggled to retain order amid daily protests in cities and fighting in border states since overthrowing elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi to end tentative steps towards democracy. The unrest in the town of Mindat on Wednesday and Thursday involved about 100 people using homemade guns to attack a police station and about 50 targeting the Myanmar Economic Bank, the state Myanmar News Agency reported. It said that the security forces had repelled the attack without suffering any casualties. A document declaring the imposition of martial law in the town in Chin State, which borders India, was posted in The Global New Light of Myanmar, a state newspaper. Reuters could not independently confirm the state media reports on the situation in Mindat. But a document posted on social media by local media claiming to be from a rival anti-junta administration in the Mindat area said the declaration of martial law was invalid. It also said that the fighting was triggered by the army breaking a promise to release seven civilians detained during recent protests. A spokesman for the Chinland Defence Force, a newly formed militia, said it was behind the latest fighting and confirmed the authenticity of the document. "They (the junta) can no longer rule the city except in some areas where they have bases. They have no control in the rural areas," said the spokesman, who said that one fighter from the force was killed and that clashes were continuing with the army bringing in reinforcements. A spokesman for the junta could not immediately be reached for comment. In a further sign of continuing defiance of military rule, video on social media showed pro-democracy supporters chanting "We believe that we gonna win, we must win, we must win" as they marched in Myanmar's commercial hub of Yangon on Friday. With 788 people killed in a brutal suppression of protests by security forces, according to an advocacy group, some supporters of the ousted government have sought military training with insurgents that have battled the military for decades in border regions. Reuters is unable to independently verify casualties and the military has imposed restrictions on the media, internet services and satellite broadcasts. Fighting has intensified in some border areas since the Feb. 1 coup, with ethnic militias stepping up attacks, overrunning military posts and downing a military helicopter. Formed a week ago by the National Unity Government opposed to the generals, a group called the People's Defence Forces has enlisted support from ethnic armed groups that have long regarded Mynamar's military as their greatest foe. Called to arms since the coup, their fighters have ambushed security forces and assassinated junta-appointed administrators.

Myanmar junta declares martial law in town after attacks on bank, police

Beaten, kicked in the groin and threatened with sexual violence - a young&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;teenager detained by the junta's security forces has described the treatment suffered by some women and girls behind bars.

Ma Chaw, 17, and her mother were arrested on April 14 in Yangon,&nbsp;Myanmar's commercial capital, which has been blanketed with heavy security since the military seized power in a coup.

As they were walking to a friend's house from a morning protest, she said, they were stopped by two security trucks.&nbsp;

"They forced us to crouch face-down on the ground," Ma Chaw told AFP.

The high school student then faced six days of fear and anxiety, held with women who alleged torture and abuse by police behind closed doors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-anti-junta-unity-government-says-it-has-formed-defence-force-383019">Myanmar's anti-junta unity government says it has formed defence force</a>

Ma Chaw said she herself had to endure a police officer molesting her during an interrogation session.

The teenager was released on April 20, but her mother was not as fortunate, she was instead taken to Yangon's Insein prison.

"My mother is my only family," she said.&nbsp;"I'm very worried for her safety and life."

To secure her release, she said, she had to sign documents saying she suffered "no torture" behind bars.

"It's the opposite of what they have done," Ma Chaw said.&nbsp;"It is totally unacceptable and unfair."

Molested, slapped, beaten

Her mother is among more than 3,800 civilians arrested and still languishing behind bars since the February 1 coup, according to local monitoring group the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Little is known about the conditions of detainees across&nbsp;Myanmar, as those released rarely speak out about it.

Ma Chaw said she and her mother were taken first to a local police station where they were questioned separately.

"I was touched by a police officer, who told me he could kill me and make me disappear," she said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thailand-seeking-humanitarian-solution-for-detained-myanmar-journalists-384263">Thailand seeking 'humanitarian' solution for detained Myanmar journalists</a>

&nbsp;

"If I didn't push his hand away, I'm sure he would have continued."

She added that her mother was slapped twice during her interrogation.

The following day, they were taken to a detention centre on Yangon's northern outskirts where they met other women, some of whom had bruises all over their bodies.

One of them, a woman who had been in a relationship with a foreigner, was beaten so badly she could barely talk or eat, Ma Chaw said.

"We had to feed her fried egg and rice," she said. "She told us she couldn't urinate because her women parts had been kicked during the interrogation."

The National Unity Government, an underground group of ousted lawmakers opposing the junta, has announced it is investigating the "allegations of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in unlawful detention".

"These cases are indicative of the wider pattern of sexual and gender-based violence committed by&nbsp;Myanmar's military that has persisted for years with impunity, particularly against ethnic minority women and girls in armed conflict areas," it said in a statement.

Threatened disappearances

Another woman held in the same detention centre as Ma Chaw recalled similar experiences.&nbsp;Both women have been given pseudonyms because of the sensitivity of their allegations.

Ngwe Thanzin told AFP she and four others were protesting in Yangon's South Okkalapa township when they were arrested.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-declares-martial-law-in-town-after-attacks-on-bank-police-384978">Myanmar junta declares martial law in town after attacks on bank, police</a>

"I was kicked in my face for having a black mask in my bag," she said, adding that security forces also yelled misogynistic abuse at them.

The women were then taken to the same detention centre as Ma Chaw, where Ngwe Thanzin said she was handcuffed so tightly it left marks on her wrists.

"They also threatened us saying they could kill us and make us disappear without anyone knowing it," she told AFP.

During her three-night detention, she said she saw a 19-year-old girl bruised so badly she could barely stand.

"They don't beat or torture in front of other people. But when people were individually interrogated, they came out with bruises."

AFP was unable to independently verify the allegations made by Ma Chaw and Ngwe Thanzin.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-may-target-free-speech-in-effort-to-stifle-protests-363394">Myanmar may target free speech in effort to stifle protests</a>

Repeated attempts to contact the junta spokesman for a response went unanswered.

And junta-appointed Minister of Social Welfare Thet Thet Khine, who chairs a National Committee on Prevention and Response to Sexual Violence in Conflict, could not be reached for comment.&nbsp;

Ngwe Thanzin said the least the junta could do was have female security personnel available to interrogate them, instead of men.

"All our rights and dignity were violated and abused," she said.

"Since we have no rights, I felt we were like water in their hands."

Beaten, kicked in the groin and threatened with sexual violence - a young Myanmar teenager detained by the junta's security forces has described the treatment suffered by some women and girls behind bars.

Beaten, kicked in the groin and threatened with sexual violence - a young Myanmar teenager detained by the junta's security forces has described the treatment suffered by some women and girls behind bars. Ma Chaw, 17, and her mother were arrested on April 14 in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial capital, which has been blanketed with heavy security since the military seized power in a coup. As they were walking to a friend's house from a morning protest, she said, they were stopped by two security trucks. "They forced us to crouch face-down on the ground," Ma Chaw told AFP. The high school student then faced six days of fear and anxiety, held with women who alleged torture and abuse by police behind closed doors. Also read | Myanmar's anti-junta unity government says it has formed defence force Ma Chaw said she herself had to endure a police officer molesting her during an interrogation session. The teenager was released on April 20, but her mother was not as fortunate, she was instead taken to Yangon's Insein prison. "My mother is my only family," she said. "I'm very worried for her safety and life." To secure her release, she said, she had to sign documents saying she suffered "no torture" behind bars. "It's the opposite of what they have done," Ma Chaw said. "It is totally unacceptable and unfair." Molested, slapped, beaten Her mother is among more than 3,800 civilians arrested and still languishing behind bars since the February 1 coup, according to local monitoring group the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Little is known about the conditions of detainees across Myanmar, as those released rarely speak out about it. Ma Chaw said she and her mother were taken first to a local police station where they were questioned separately. "I was touched by a police officer, who told me he could kill me and make me disappear," she said. Also read | Thailand seeking 'humanitarian' solution for detained Myanmar journalists "If I didn't push his hand away, I'm sure he would have continued." She added that her mother was slapped twice during her interrogation. The following day, they were taken to a detention centre on Yangon's northern outskirts where they met other women, some of whom had bruises all over their bodies. One of them, a woman who had been in a relationship with a foreigner, was beaten so badly she could barely talk or eat, Ma Chaw said. "We had to feed her fried egg and rice," she said. "She told us she couldn't urinate because her women parts had been kicked during the interrogation." The National Unity Government, an underground group of ousted lawmakers opposing the junta, has announced it is investigating the "allegations of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in unlawful detention". "These cases are indicative of the wider pattern of sexual and gender-based violence committed by Myanmar's military that has persisted for years with impunity, particularly against ethnic minority women and girls in armed conflict areas," it said in a statement. Threatened disappearances Another woman held in the same detention centre as Ma Chaw recalled similar experiences. Both women have been given pseudonyms because of the sensitivity of their allegations. Ngwe Thanzin told AFP she and four others were protesting in Yangon's South Okkalapa township when they were arrested. Also read | Myanmar junta declares martial law in town after attacks on bank, police "I was kicked in my face for having a black mask in my bag," she said, adding that security forces also yelled misogynistic abuse at them. The women were then taken to the same detention centre as Ma Chaw, where Ngwe Thanzin said she was handcuffed so tightly it left marks on her wrists. "They also threatened us saying they could kill us and make us disappear without anyone knowing it," she told AFP. During her three-night detention, she said she saw a 19-year-old girl bruised so badly she could barely stand. "They don't beat or torture in front of other people. But when people were individually interrogated, they came out with bruises." AFP was unable to independently verify the allegations made by Ma Chaw and Ngwe Thanzin. Also read | Myanmar may target free speech in effort to stifle protests Repeated attempts to contact the junta spokesman for a response went unanswered. And junta-appointed Minister of Social Welfare Thet Thet Khine, who chairs a National Committee on Prevention and Response to Sexual Violence in Conflict, could not be reached for comment. Ngwe Thanzin said the least the junta could do was have female security personnel available to interrogate them, instead of men. "All our rights and dignity were violated and abused," she said. "Since we have no rights, I felt we were like water in their hands."

Kicked in the groin: Myanmar teen describes junta's brutal treatment of detained women

It has been 100 days since Myanmar's military seized power by ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, but the junta has been able to just maintain the pretence of control. The illusion is sustained mainly by its partially successful efforts to shut down independent media and to keep the streets clear of large demonstrations by employing lethal force.

Myanmar marks 100 days of military coup, Junta struggles to maintain power

Thailand said Tuesday it was seeking a "humanitarian" solution for three Myanmar journalists arrested after fleeing across the border to escape a junta crackdown.

The trio's employer -- the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) -- and the Thai foreign correspondents' club urged the authorities not to deport them, warning their lives could be in danger if they returned to the coup-hit country.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/myanmar-detained-leader-aung-san-suu-kyi-to-appear-in-court-in-person-on-may-24-384147/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, triggering a mass uprising as large swathes of the population take to the streets to demand democracy.

The junta has responded with force -- shooting protesters, arresting suspected dissidents in night raids, and targeting journalists and news outlets by shutting them down.

Thai authorities on Tuesday confirmed the arrests, while foreign ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat said they were seeking a way out of the case.

"Thai authorities concerned are coordinating to find possible humanitarian solution(s) to this case," Tanee told reporters.

DVB said the group was arrested during a random search in the northern city of Chiang Mai, and would appear in court on Tuesday to face charges of illegally entering Thailand.

"DVB strongly urges the Thai authorities to not deport them back to Burma, as their life will be in serious danger if they were to return," said Aye Chan Naing, DVB's chief editor, who is based in Oslo. Burma is Myanmar's old name.

The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand warned Tuesday that if the journalists were deported, they would face "certain arrest and persecution, if not worse".

"The world is watching what the Thai authorities do in this important case for press freedom in Myanmar and the region," it said.&nbsp;

A well-known news organisation within Myanmar, DVB started as an exile media outlet during the previous junta, broadcasting uncensored reports on TV and radio.

It moved into Myanmar in 2012, a year after the military dictatorship loosened its grip, but had its broadcast licence revoked in March, sending its journalists into hiding.

Despite this setback, it has continued to report, posting regular updates on its Facebook page about the daily protests and crackdowns across the country.&nbsp;

It also broadcasts via satellite television -- a move that the junta attempted to halt when it banned homes from having satellite dishes.

More than 80 journalists have been detained since the February 1 coup, according to a local monitoring group -- which has tracked a total of nearly 5,000 arrests nationwide.&nbsp;

Thailand said Tuesday it was seeking a "humanitarian" solution for three Myanmar journalists arrested after fleeing across the border to escape a junta crackdown.

Thailand said Tuesday it was seeking a "humanitarian" solution for three Myanmar journalists arrested after fleeing across the border to escape a junta crackdown. The trio's employer -- the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) -- and the Thai foreign correspondents' club urged the authorities not to deport them, warning their lives could be in danger if they returned to the coup-hit country. Watch | Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, triggering a mass uprising as large swathes of the population take to the streets to demand democracy. The junta has responded with force -- shooting protesters, arresting suspected dissidents in night raids, and targeting journalists and news outlets by shutting them down. Thai authorities on Tuesday confirmed the arrests, while foreign ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat said they were seeking a way out of the case. "Thai authorities concerned are coordinating to find possible humanitarian solution(s) to this case," Tanee told reporters. DVB said the group was arrested during a random search in the northern city of Chiang Mai, and would appear in court on Tuesday to face charges of illegally entering Thailand. "DVB strongly urges the Thai authorities to not deport them back to Burma, as their life will be in serious danger if they were to return," said Aye Chan Naing, DVB's chief editor, who is based in Oslo. Burma is Myanmar's old name. The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand warned Tuesday that if the journalists were deported, they would face "certain arrest and persecution, if not worse". "The world is watching what the Thai authorities do in this important case for press freedom in Myanmar and the region," it said. A well-known news organisation within Myanmar, DVB started as an exile media outlet during the previous junta, broadcasting uncensored reports on TV and radio. It moved into Myanmar in 2012, a year after the military dictatorship loosened its grip, but had its broadcast licence revoked in March, sending its journalists into hiding. Despite this setback, it has continued to report, posting regular updates on its Facebook page about the daily protests and crackdowns across the country. It also broadcasts via satellite television -- a move that the junta attempted to halt when it banned homes from having satellite dishes. More than 80 journalists have been detained since the February 1 coup, according to a local monitoring group -- which has tracked a total of nearly 5,000 arrests nationwide.

Thailand seeking 'humanitarian' solution for detained Myanmar journalists

Myanmar's detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi is all set to appear in person at her next court hearing on May 24. This will be Suu Kyi's first public appearance since she was detained by the Military Junta on 1 February.

Myanmar: Detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi to appear in court in person on May 24

Myanmar's ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday was asked to appear in court in person on May 24, her lawyer said.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi has not been seen publicly since the military overthrew her government and detained her on February 1 in a coup.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-suspended-at-myanmar-universities-as-junta-targets-education-384083">Thousands suspended at Myanmar universities as junta targets education&nbsp;</a>

She has expressed her frustration with the pace of the trial during a number of hearings via video conferencing.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/body-of-arrested-myanmar-poet-khet-thi-returned-to-family-with-organs-missing-383972">Body of arrested Myanmar poet Khet Thi returned to family with organs missing</a>

A judge on Monday ordered her to appear in a special courtroom based near her residence.&nbsp;

"She will appear in person in court on May 24," lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told news agency AFP.

However, he said that the court has still not given nod to a private meeting of Suu Kyi with her lawyers.&nbsp;

"The problem is not solved yet because the police did not answer on whether they can arrange our meeting," the lawyer said, adding that private counsel is "the right of the defendant".

The 75-year-old leader has been charged six times since her arrest including charges of violating coronavirus restrictions during an election rally last year.&nbsp;

She has also been charged under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act and for receiving bribes of gold and cash.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Myanmar's ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday was asked to appear in court in person on May 24, her lawyer said. Suu Kyi has not been seen publicly since the military overthrew her government and detained her on February 1 in a coup.

Myanmar's ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday was asked to appear in court in person on May 24, her lawyer said. Suu Kyi has not been seen publicly since the military overthrew her government and detained her on February 1 in a coup. Also read | Thousands suspended at Myanmar universities as junta targets education She has expressed her frustration with the pace of the trial during a number of hearings via video conferencing. Also read | Body of arrested Myanmar poet Khet Thi returned to family with organs missing A judge on Monday ordered her to appear in a special courtroom based near her residence. "She will appear in person in court on May 24," lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told news agency AFP. However, he said that the court has still not given nod to a private meeting of Suu Kyi with her lawyers. "The problem is not solved yet because the police did not answer on whether they can arrange our meeting," the lawyer said, adding that private counsel is "the right of the defendant". The 75-year-old leader has been charged six times since her arrest including charges of violating coronavirus restrictions during an election rally last year. She has also been charged under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act and for receiving bribes of gold and cash. (With inputs from agencies)

Aung San Suu Kyi asked to appear in person in court: Lawyer

Another night of violent encounter between Israeli police and Palestinian youth has injured numerous people, and the police has made at least three arrests. Meanwhile, in the US, gun violence is on rise as another shooting took place at the busy Times Square, injuring three people.

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This year's parade precedes parliamentary elections in September and comes at a time when Moscow's relations with the West are acutely strained over everything.

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The injured were hospitalised in Manhattan and are currently out of danger, informed New York police commissioner Dermot Shea.

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Another night of violent encounter between Israeli police and Palestinian youth has injured numerous people, and the police has made at least three arrests. Meanwhile, in the US, gun violence is on rise as another shooting took place at the busy Times Square, injuring three people.

Another night of violent encounter between Israeli police and Palestinian youth has injured numerous people, and the police has made at least three arrests. Meanwhile, in the US, gun violence is on rise as another shooting took place at the busy Times Square, injuring three people. Click on headlines to read more Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar This year's parade precedes parliamentary elections in September and comes at a time when Moscow's relations with the West are acutely strained over everything. Shooting at New York Times Square injures 3, including a child The injured were hospitalised in Manhattan and are currently out of danger, informed New York police commissioner Dermot Shea. Jerusalem: Scores more injured in another night of deadly clashes Officials claim to have arrested three people who had attacked the police officers during the demonstrations, but locals disagree. COVID-19: Nepal's Coronavirus tally hits new high Gravitas Plus: A crisis that shook India

Morning news brief: Jerusalem clash continues, shooting at Times Square, and more

While Jerusalem was filled with noises of violent clashes between the Palestinian youth and Israeli police officers during the holy month of Ramadan, in the West, US President Joe Biden has imposed stricter restrictions against increasing gun violence in the US, especially on 'ghost guns'.&nbsp;

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Commission head Ursula von der Leyen told a news conference on the sidelines of a summit of EU leaders that discussions on the waiver would not produce a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the short- to medium-term.

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Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades on Palestinian youth present at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Friday.

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While Jerusalem was filled with noises of violent clashes between the Palestinian youth and Israeli police officers during the holy month of Ramadan, in the West, US President Joe Biden has imposed stricter restrictions against increasing gun violence in the US, especially on 'ghost guns'.

While Jerusalem was filled with noises of violent clashes between the Palestinian youth and Israeli police officers during the holy month of Ramadan, in the West, US President Joe Biden has imposed stricter restrictions against increasing gun violence in the US, especially on 'ghost guns'. Click on headlines to read more EU calls on US, others to export vaccines, rather than talk about IP waiver Commission head Ursula von der Leyen told a news conference on the sidelines of a summit of EU leaders that discussions on the waiver would not produce a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the short- to medium-term. Jerusalem: Violent encounter injures 178 Palestinians and 6 police officers Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades on Palestinian youth present at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Friday. Biden enforces stricter rules against 'ghost guns' in US The US Justice Department has also made it compulsory for retailers to perform background checks on buyers of kits that include parts needed to make a gun at home. Gravitas: These bees can detect COVID-19 India's COVID surge: Why Children could be at risk

Morning news brief: Jerusalem's violent clash, vaccine export, and more

Germany has opposed US' move to&nbsp;waive patents on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a>&nbsp;almost a day after Joe Biden lent his support to the India-led fight. Meanwhile, in the US, the&nbsp;Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, has signed a bill imposing new limits on voting by mail and using ballot drop boxes. Making sure the social media platform is not misused ever again for propaganda or false information, Twitter&nbsp;has suspended several accounts that are trying to evade its ban on former president&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trum</a>p by promoting his content.&nbsp;

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The summit that takes place around 5 pm IST will see Indian PM along with Heads of State or Government of all the 27 EU Member States present.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-several-accounts-that-tried-promoting-donald-trumps-content-383358">Twitter suspends several accounts that tried promoting Donald Trump's content</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/07/194124-untitled-design-1.jpg?itok=xn7XqDgO" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/twitter">Twitter&nbsp;</a>on Thursday announced that it has suspended several accounts that are trying to evade its ban on former president&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trum</a>p by promoting his content.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/florida-governor-tightens-restrictions-on-mail-voting-and-ballot-drop-boxes-383352" hreflang="en">Florida governor tightens restrictions on mail voting and ballot drop boxes</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-sends-10000-vials-of-beximcos-remdesivir-to-india-383355" hreflang="en">Bangladesh sends 10,000 vials of Beximco's Remdesivir to India</a>

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Germany has opposed US' move to waive patents on coronavirus vaccines almost a day after Joe Biden lent his support to the India-led fight. Meanwhile, in the US, the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, has signed a bill imposing new limits on voting by mail and using ballot drop boxes.

Germany has opposed US' move to waive patents on coronavirus vaccines almost a day after Joe Biden lent his support to the India-led fight. Meanwhile, in the US, the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, has signed a bill imposing new limits on voting by mail and using ballot drop boxes. Making sure the social media platform is not misused ever again for propaganda or false information, Twitter has suspended several accounts that are trying to evade its ban on former president Donald Trump by promoting his content. Click on headlines to read more US-Germany rift on Covid vaccine waiver endangers fight against deadly virus After the United States gave its nod to waive patents on coronavirus vaccines, Germany strongly opposed the move on Thursday. India-EU virtual summit: Talks on FTA to resume, focus on dealing Covid crisis The summit that takes place around 5 pm IST will see Indian PM along with Heads of State or Government of all the 27 EU Member States present. Twitter suspends several accounts that tried promoting Donald Trump's content Twitter on Thursday announced that it has suspended several accounts that are trying to evade its ban on former president Donald Trump by promoting his content. Florida governor tightens restrictions on mail voting and ballot drop boxes Bangladesh sends 10,000 vials of Beximco's Remdesivir to India

Morning news brief: Germany opposes vaccine waiver, Twitter strikes down Trump, and more

US President Joe Biden has supported India's request for&nbsp;global waiver on patent protections for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a>&nbsp;in the pandemic, even though Washington feels&nbsp;intellectual property rights are important for businesses. Meanwhile, one of the largest study has found the Pfizer vaccine is 95 per cent effective against the virus, and these numbers significantly drop when only one of the two prescribed doses are taken.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-backs-india-led-fight-to-waive-covid-vaccines-patents-383092" hreflang="en">US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/29/193115-untitled-design-9.jpg?itok=RSAzQHji" />

The Biden administration on Wednesday decided to back the India-led fight for a global waiver on patent protections for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a>.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/largest-study-on-pfizer-covid-vaccine-says-drug-offers-over-95-protection-383099">Largest study on Pfizer Covid vaccine says drug offers over 95% protection</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/23/175391-pfizer-biontech-vaccine.jpg?itok=k-U1rbIh" />

The study found that the two shots of the vaccine provide 95.3 per cent protection against infection and 96.7 per cent protection against death seven days after the second dose.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-do-with-austerity-drive-claims-mexican-president-after-metro-crash-383102" hreflang="en">'Nothing do with austerity drive', claims Mexican President after metro crash</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/05/193846-untitled-design-1.jpg?itok=NIt1FKoJ" />

As the grieving families started burying their loved ones after the crash, Obrador denied accusations made at him by the employers' association Coparmex, who claim the crash took place due to ignorance of repeated warnings and major cuts in the maintenance budget.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/facebooks-oversight-board-upholds-donald-trumps-suspension-383101" hreflang="en">Facebook's oversight board upholds Donald Trump's suspension</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-puts-40-mn-into-porton-down-labs-to-boost-coronavirus-vaccines-research-383103" hreflang="en">UK puts $40 mn into Porton Down labs to boost Coronavirus vaccines research</a>

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US President Joe Biden has supported India's request for global waiver on patent protections for coronavirus vaccines in the pandemic, even though Washington feels intellectual property rights are important for businesses.

US President Joe Biden has supported India's request for global waiver on patent protections for coronavirus vaccines in the pandemic, even though Washington feels intellectual property rights are important for businesses. Meanwhile, one of the largest study has found the Pfizer vaccine is 95 per cent effective against the virus, and these numbers significantly drop when only one of the two prescribed doses are taken. Click on headlines to read more US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents The Biden administration on Wednesday decided to back the India-led fight for a global waiver on patent protections for coronavirus vaccines. Largest study on Pfizer Covid vaccine says drug offers over 95% protection The study found that the two shots of the vaccine provide 95.3 per cent protection against infection and 96.7 per cent protection against death seven days after the second dose. 'Nothing do with austerity drive', claims Mexican President after metro crash As the grieving families started burying their loved ones after the crash, Obrador denied accusations made at him by the employers' association Coparmex, who claim the crash took place due to ignorance of repeated warnings and major cuts in the maintenance budget. Facebook's oversight board upholds Donald Trump's suspension UK puts $40 mn into Porton Down labs to boost Coronavirus vaccines research

Morning news brief: Biden backs India, Pfizer 95% effective, and more

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