Myanmar's deposed leader and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was jailed for seven years for corruption on Friday by a military court. Watch this video to know more.

Myanmar court finds Suu Kyi guilty on 5 counts of corruption

Photos and videos of devastated Kinma village in Magway region that circulated widely on social media showed much of the village flattened by fire and the charred bodies of farm animals

Junta burns Myanmar village in escalating violence

London ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn has broken ranks with the ruling junta in recent weeks, calling for the release of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myanmar ambassador to London locked out of embassy

Myanmar activists held candle-lit protests overnight and scrambled to find workarounds for a new internet shutdown on Friday, as opponents to the military`s bloody crackdown on dissent vowed no letup in efforts to unseat the ruling generals. 
 
Anti-coup groups shared radio frequencies, offline internet resources and providers of text message news alerts to try to circumvent new curbs on the internet, which now limit Web access to fixed-line services only. 
 
The military did not announce or explain its order to telecom firms to cut wireless broadband, which adds to a ban on mobile data through which a nationwide movement has mobilised on social media and spread images of the junta`s lethal suppression of mostly youth-led protests. 
 
Late on Thursday, protesters spread a call for a "flower strike" at bus stops where demonstrators killed by security forces had departed on their last journeys. 
 
"We will leave flowers at bus stops tomorrow ... That`s what I want to tell you guys before the internet is down," Khin Sadar, a protest leader, posted on Facebook. 
 
"In the following days, there were street protests. Do as many guerrilla strikes as you can. Please join." 
 
"Let`s listen to the radio again. Let`s make phone calls to each other too." 
 
The former British colony has been in chaos for two months following the military`s overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi`s elected administration, which has sparked anger across towns and cities and reignited hostilities between the armed forces and ethnic minority insurgents in several different regions. 
 
New charges of violating the official secrets act were filed against the Nobel laureate, her chief lawyer said on Thursday, the most serious so far, on top of two comparatively minor offences. Breaches of the colonial-era law are punishable by 14 years in prison. 
 
The charges were filed against three of Suu Kyi`s deposed cabinet ministers and her Australian economic adviser Sean Turnell, who are among hundreds detained in the military`s sweeping crackdown on opponents since it took power, alleging fraud in an election swept by Suu Kyi`s party. 
 
Lawyer Min Min Soe said Suu Kyi looked in good health during a video hearing on Thursday but was unable to tell whether the ousted leader, the figurehead of Myanmar`s decades-long fight for democracy, was aware of the situation in her country. 
 
`WE WILL NOT SURRENDER` 
 
Protesters were in the streets in several urban centres day and night on Thursday, where some burned copies of the military-drafted 2008 constitution. The media reported two people were killed, including an 18-year-old man, as police opened fire to quell gatherings. 
 
Khit Thit Media reported shots were fired at a protest during the night, where 400 troops were present. The report could not immediately be verified. 
 
Some 543 people have been killed in the uprising, according to the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) advocacy group, which is tracking casualties and detentions. The military has repeatedly said those killed had instigated the violence. 
 
A video shared widely on social media late on Thursday showed an unconscious man being kicked and beaten by a group of seven helmeted, uniformed men with rifles, who dragged him face down along a road before carrying him away. 
 
Another image shared widely showed an overhead view of hundreds of candles arranged on a road in the darkness, forming the words "we will never surrender". 
 
Britain on Thursday sanctioned one of the military`s biggest conglomerates, following a similar move by several Western countries. Britain`s Next became the latest high-street brand to suspend orders from Myanmar`s factories. 
 
"The Myanmar military has sunk to a new low with the wanton killing of innocent people, including children," British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said. The UK move was welcomed by his U.S. counterpart Antony Blinken. 
 
Myanmar`s Asian neighbours, which it relies on for trade, have not imposed any embargoes, but some have moved beyond measured language after the military killed 141 people as it marked Armed Forces Day on Saturday. 
 
Neighbour Thailand on Thursday said it was "gravely troubled". Stronger positions on Myanmar have been taken by the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, the top diplomats of which are meeting separately this week with Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi in Beijing. 
 
In a transcript of an interview made available late Thursday, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan expressed dismay at the bloodshed. 
 
"We are alarmed and appalled at the escalating violence," he said, adding China`s Wang Yi also hoped for an end to violence and for dialogue.

Myanmar activists held candle-lit protests overnight and scrambled to find workarounds for a new internet shutdown on Friday, as opponents to the military`s bloody crackdown on dissent vowed no letup in efforts to unseat the ruling generals.

Myanmar activists held candle-lit protests overnight and scrambled to find workarounds for a new internet shutdown on Friday, as opponents to the military`s bloody crackdown on dissent vowed no letup in efforts to unseat the ruling generals. Anti-coup groups shared radio frequencies, offline internet resources and providers of text message news alerts to try to circumvent new curbs on the internet, which now limit Web access to fixed-line services only. The military did not announce or explain its order to telecom firms to cut wireless broadband, which adds to a ban on mobile data through which a nationwide movement has mobilised on social media and spread images of the junta`s lethal suppression of mostly youth-led protests. Late on Thursday, protesters spread a call for a "flower strike" at bus stops where demonstrators killed by security forces had departed on their last journeys. "We will leave flowers at bus stops tomorrow ... That`s what I want to tell you guys before the internet is down," Khin Sadar, a protest leader, posted on Facebook. "In the following days, there were street protests. Do as many guerrilla strikes as you can. Please join." "Let`s listen to the radio again. Let`s make phone calls to each other too." The former British colony has been in chaos for two months following the military`s overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi`s elected administration, which has sparked anger across towns and cities and reignited hostilities between the armed forces and ethnic minority insurgents in several different regions. New charges of violating the official secrets act were filed against the Nobel laureate, her chief lawyer said on Thursday, the most serious so far, on top of two comparatively minor offences. Breaches of the colonial-era law are punishable by 14 years in prison. The charges were filed against three of Suu Kyi`s deposed cabinet ministers and her Australian economic adviser Sean Turnell, who are among hundreds detained in the military`s sweeping crackdown on opponents since it took power, alleging fraud in an election swept by Suu Kyi`s party. Lawyer Min Min Soe said Suu Kyi looked in good health during a video hearing on Thursday but was unable to tell whether the ousted leader, the figurehead of Myanmar`s decades-long fight for democracy, was aware of the situation in her country. `WE WILL NOT SURRENDER` Protesters were in the streets in several urban centres day and night on Thursday, where some burned copies of the military-drafted 2008 constitution. The media reported two people were killed, including an 18-year-old man, as police opened fire to quell gatherings. Khit Thit Media reported shots were fired at a protest during the night, where 400 troops were present. The report could not immediately be verified. Some 543 people have been killed in the uprising, according to the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) advocacy group, which is tracking casualties and detentions. The military has repeatedly said those killed had instigated the violence. A video shared widely on social media late on Thursday showed an unconscious man being kicked and beaten by a group of seven helmeted, uniformed men with rifles, who dragged him face down along a road before carrying him away. Another image shared widely showed an overhead view of hundreds of candles arranged on a road in the darkness, forming the words "we will never surrender". Britain on Thursday sanctioned one of the military`s biggest conglomerates, following a similar move by several Western countries. Britain`s Next became the latest high-street brand to suspend orders from Myanmar`s factories. "The Myanmar military has sunk to a new low with the wanton killing of innocent people, including children," British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said. The UK move was welcomed by his U.S. counterpart Antony Blinken. Myanmar`s Asian neighbours, which it relies on for trade, have not imposed any embargoes, but some have moved beyond measured language after the military killed 141 people as it marked Armed Forces Day on Saturday. Neighbour Thailand on Thursday said it was "gravely troubled". Stronger positions on Myanmar have been taken by the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, the top diplomats of which are meeting separately this week with Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi in Beijing. In a transcript of an interview made available late Thursday, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan expressed dismay at the bloodshed. "We are alarmed and appalled at the escalating violence," he said, adding China`s Wang Yi also hoped for an end to violence and for dialogue.

Myanmar protesters urge 'guerrilla strikes' as internet blackout widens

Myanmar&nbsp;activists burned copies of a military-framed constitution on Thursday, two months after the junta seized power, as a UN&nbsp;special envoy warned of the risk of a bloodbath because of an intensified crackdown on anti-coup protesters.

Myanmar&nbsp;has been rocked by protests since the army overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on February&nbsp;1 citing unsubstantiated claims of fraud in a November election.

Suu Kyi and other members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) have been detained.

Alos read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-protesters-defy-crackdown-as-un-envoy-warns-of-imminent-bloodbath-374653">Myanmar protesters defy crackdown as UN envoy warns of 'imminent bloodbath'</a>

The junta has accused her of several minor crimes, including illegally importing six handheld radios and breaching coronavirus protocols, but a domestic media outlet reported on Wednesday that she could be charged with treason, which can be punishable by death.

But one of her lawyers, Min Min Soe, said no new charges were announced at a hearing in her case on Thursday.

Her lawyers have said the charges she faces were trumped up.

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The UN&nbsp;envoy's warning of a bloodbath follows a flare-up in fighting between the army and ethnic minority insurgents in frontier regions.

At least 20 soldiers were killed and four military trucks destroyed in clashes with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of&nbsp;Myanmar's most powerful rebel groups, DVB news reported.

Myanmar&nbsp;military aircraft have started bombing positions of another group, the Karen National Union (KNU), for the first time in more than 20 years and thousands of villagers have fled from their homes, many into Thailand.

In cities across&nbsp;Myanmar, there were candle-lit protests overnight and marches at dawn on Thursday, according to media and photographs on social media.

Protests gathered in several places on Thursday and two people were wounded when police opened fire in the central town of Monywa, according to witness&nbsp;posts on social media.

The coup has led to new calls for unity among those opposed to military rule, in particular city-based democracy campaigners and ethnic minority forces battling in frontier regions.

Ousted members of parliament, mostly from Suu Kyi's party, have vowed to set up a federal democracy in a bid to address a long-standing demand from minority groups for autonomy.

They also announced the scrapping of a 2008 constitution drawn up by the military that enshrines its control over politics. The military has long rejected the idea of a federal system, seeing itself as the central power vital to holding the fractious country together.

Social media posts showed copies of the constitution, real and symbolic, being burned at rallies and in homes during what one activist called a "constitution bonfire ceremony".

"The new day begin here!" Dr Sasa, the international envoy for the ousted parliamentarians said on Twitter, referring to what for now is a largely symbolic move.

The UN&nbsp;special envoy on&nbsp;Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgene, told the 15-member UN&nbsp;Security Council that the military was not capable of managing the country, and warned the situation on the ground would worsen.

The council must consider "potentially significant action" to reverse the course of events as "a bloodbath is imminent", she said.

The council has expressed concern and condemned violence against protesters, but dropped language calling the takeover a coup and threatening possible further action due to opposition by China, Russia, India and Vietnam.

At least 536 civilians have been killed in protests, 141 of them on Saturday, the bloodiest day of the unrest, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).

The United States on Wednesday urged China, which has significant economic and strategic interests in&nbsp;Myanmar, to use its influence to hold to account those responsible for the coup.

While Western countries have condemned the coup, China has been more cautious and the government's top diplomat Wang Yi called for stability during a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart on Wednesday.

Wang said China welcomed and supported a long-standing principle of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of not interfering in each other's internal affairs, even though there have been signs in recent weeks that adherence to the principle is wearing thin.

Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines have all spoken out about the situation in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and Thailand issued its strongest comments on Thursday, saying it was "gravely troubled" by the violence and calling for an end to it and the release of detainees.

In a sign of stepped-up shuttle diplomacy, the foreign ministers of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines are due to meet Wang in China this week.

The&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military has traditionally been impervious to external pressure.

Myanmar activists burned copies of a military-framed constitution on Thursday, two months after the junta seized power, as a UN special envoy warned of the risk of a bloodbath because of an intensified crackdown on anti-coup protesters.

Myanmar activists burned copies of a military-framed constitution on Thursday, two months after the junta seized power, as a UN special envoy warned of the risk of a bloodbath because of an intensified crackdown on anti-coup protesters. Myanmar has been rocked by protests since the army overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1 citing unsubstantiated claims of fraud in a November election. Suu Kyi and other members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) have been detained. Alos read| Myanmar protesters defy crackdown as UN envoy warns of 'imminent bloodbath' The junta has accused her of several minor crimes, including illegally importing six handheld radios and breaching coronavirus protocols, but a domestic media outlet reported on Wednesday that she could be charged with treason, which can be punishable by death. But one of her lawyers, Min Min Soe, said no new charges were announced at a hearing in her case on Thursday. Her lawyers have said the charges she faces were trumped up. The UN envoy's warning of a bloodbath follows a flare-up in fighting between the army and ethnic minority insurgents in frontier regions. At least 20 soldiers were killed and four military trucks destroyed in clashes with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of Myanmar's most powerful rebel groups, DVB news reported. Myanmar military aircraft have started bombing positions of another group, the Karen National Union (KNU), for the first time in more than 20 years and thousands of villagers have fled from their homes, many into Thailand. In cities across Myanmar, there were candle-lit protests overnight and marches at dawn on Thursday, according to media and photographs on social media. Protests gathered in several places on Thursday and two people were wounded when police opened fire in the central town of Monywa, according to witness posts on social media. The coup has led to new calls for unity among those opposed to military rule, in particular city-based democracy campaigners and ethnic minority forces battling in frontier regions. Ousted members of parliament, mostly from Suu Kyi's party, have vowed to set up a federal democracy in a bid to address a long-standing demand from minority groups for autonomy. They also announced the scrapping of a 2008 constitution drawn up by the military that enshrines its control over politics. The military has long rejected the idea of a federal system, seeing itself as the central power vital to holding the fractious country together. Social media posts showed copies of the constitution, real and symbolic, being burned at rallies and in homes during what one activist called a "constitution bonfire ceremony". "The new day begin here!" Dr Sasa, the international envoy for the ousted parliamentarians said on Twitter, referring to what for now is a largely symbolic move. The UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgene, told the 15-member UN Security Council that the military was not capable of managing the country, and warned the situation on the ground would worsen. The council must consider "potentially significant action" to reverse the course of events as "a bloodbath is imminent", she said. The council has expressed concern and condemned violence against protesters, but dropped language calling the takeover a coup and threatening possible further action due to opposition by China, Russia, India and Vietnam. At least 536 civilians have been killed in protests, 141 of them on Saturday, the bloodiest day of the unrest, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). The United States on Wednesday urged China, which has significant economic and strategic interests in Myanmar, to use its influence to hold to account those responsible for the coup. While Western countries have condemned the coup, China has been more cautious and the government's top diplomat Wang Yi called for stability during a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart on Wednesday. Wang said China welcomed and supported a long-standing principle of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of not interfering in each other's internal affairs, even though there have been signs in recent weeks that adherence to the principle is wearing thin. Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines have all spoken out about the situation in Myanmar and Thailand issued its strongest comments on Thursday, saying it was "gravely troubled" by the violence and calling for an end to it and the release of detainees. In a sign of stepped-up shuttle diplomacy, the foreign ministers of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines are due to meet Wang in China this week. The Myanmar military has traditionally been impervious to external pressure.

Myanmar protesters burn military's constitution two months after coup

Since the military coup in Myanmar taken over the leadership of the nation, over 60 protesters have been killed and 1900 protesters detained in the demonstrations.

Myanmar protests: Over 60 protesters have been killed, 1900 arrested

Myanmar security forces continued their crackdown and violently dispersed ant-coup protesters on Sunday. Three protesters were killed as per local media. Police and soldiers had already fired rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon on demonstrations in recent weeks in an effort to bring the civil disobedience campaign to heel, with live rounds used in some isolated cases.

The build-up of forces was effected on Sunday as protesters started gathering in different parts of the country. The protesters gathered after an online call for protests.

Three men were killed and at least 20 others injured when security forces moved on a rally in the southern coastal hub of Dawei, according to a volunteer medic and local media reports.

Pyae Zaw Hein, a rescue worker, told AFP the trio had been "shot dead with live rounds", while the injured had been hit by rubber bullets.

"There could be many more casualties as well because more wounded people keep coming in," he added.

Local media outlet Dawei Watch confirmed that three had died in the incident.

Officers in the commercial hub Yangon began dispersing one crowd in the downtown area minutes before the slated beginning of the day's protest, but it was unclear whether they used live rounds.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-coup-un-envoy-who-delivered-impassioned-speech-fired-366723">Myanmar military coup: UN envoy who delivered impassioned speech fired</a>

"Police started shooting just as we arrived," said Amy Kyaw, a 29-year-old primary school teacher in a downtown Yangon neighbourhood.

"They didn't say a word of warning. Some got injured and some teachers are still hiding in neighbours' houses."

Live broadcasts on social media showed security forces using tear gas to clear some crowds in Yangon as well as water cannon further north in Mandalay, the country's cultural capital.

Myanmar envoy to UN fired

Meanwhile, Myanmar's military regime on Saturday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-coup-un-envoy-who-delivered-impassioned-speech-fired-366723">fired Myanmar's envoy to United Nations</a> Kyaw Moe Tun just a day after he made an impassioned speech in the UN.

In his speech, Tun implored international community to act against the military junta that toppled the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 2021. He even made the three-fingered salute that has come to symbolise the spirit of Myanmar's anti-coup protests.

(With AFP inputs)

Myanmar security forces continued their crackdown and violently dispersed ant-coup protesters on Sunday. Three protesters were killed as per local media. Police and soldiers had already fired rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon on demonstrations in recent weeks in an effort to bring the civil disobedience campaign to heel, with live rounds used in some isolated cases.

Myanmar security forces continued their crackdown and violently dispersed ant-coup protesters on Sunday. Three protesters were killed as per local media. Police and soldiers had already fired rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon on demonstrations in recent weeks in an effort to bring the civil disobedience campaign to heel, with live rounds used in some isolated cases. The build-up of forces was effected on Sunday as protesters started gathering in different parts of the country. The protesters gathered after an online call for protests. Three men were killed and at least 20 others injured when security forces moved on a rally in the southern coastal hub of Dawei, according to a volunteer medic and local media reports. Pyae Zaw Hein, a rescue worker, told AFP the trio had been "shot dead with live rounds", while the injured had been hit by rubber bullets. "There could be many more casualties as well because more wounded people keep coming in," he added. Local media outlet Dawei Watch confirmed that three had died in the incident. Officers in the commercial hub Yangon began dispersing one crowd in the downtown area minutes before the slated beginning of the day's protest, but it was unclear whether they used live rounds. Also Read | Myanmar military coup: UN envoy who delivered impassioned speech fired "Police started shooting just as we arrived," said Amy Kyaw, a 29-year-old primary school teacher in a downtown Yangon neighbourhood. "They didn't say a word of warning. Some got injured and some teachers are still hiding in neighbours' houses." Live broadcasts on social media showed security forces using tear gas to clear some crowds in Yangon as well as water cannon further north in Mandalay, the country's cultural capital. Myanmar envoy to UN fired Meanwhile, Myanmar's military regime on Saturday fired Myanmar's envoy to United Nations Kyaw Moe Tun just a day after he made an impassioned speech in the UN. In his speech, Tun implored international community to act against the military junta that toppled the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 2021. He even made the three-fingered salute that has come to symbolise the spirit of Myanmar's anti-coup protests. (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar forces continue crackdown, 3 protesters reportedly killed

Anti-coup protesters on Monday defied military junta's warning to take to streets. Businesses around the country observed a general strike. There were protests in cities and towns across the country on Monday, from the northern hills on the border with China to the central plains, the Irrawaddy river delta and the southern panhandle.

Images posted on social media showed a police water cannon truck and numerous other vehicles closing in to break up a procession of chanting people in Naypyitaw, where the military is headquartered. As the protesters scattered, police on foot chased them, wrestling several to the ground.

"They're chasing and arresting us. We're just protesting peacefully," one woman said in video clip posted on Facebook.

The protests have been going on daily ever since the military toppled Aung San Suu Kyi's government on February 1. The military has been unable to stop the protests.

Three people have lost lives so far. Two were shot dead in Mandalay on Saturday. Funeral of the third protester, a young woman, was carried out on Sunday. It drew hundreds of people.

"Everyone is joining this," said San San Maw, 46, at the Hledan junction in the main city of Yangon, which has become a rallying point for the protests. "We need to come out."

In a country where dates are seen as auspicious, protesters noted the significance of the date 22.2.2021, comparing it with demonstrations on Aug. 8, 1988 when a previous generation staged anti-military protests which were bloodily suppressed.

Military's response so far has been less deadly. The army also said one policeman died of injuries in the protest.

"Stop the repression"

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on Myanmar military to stop the "repression" immediately.

"Today, I call on the Myanmar military to stop the repression immediately. Release the prisoners. End the violence. Respect human rights, and the will of the people expressed in recent elections," Guterres told the UN Human Rights Council in a pre-recorded video message.

Guterres has been increasingly vocal about situation in Myanmar.

'RESTRAINT'

As well as local stores, international chains announced closures on Monday, including Yum Brands Inc.'s KFC and delivery service Food Panda, owned by Delivery Hero. Southeast Asian company Grab stopped delivery services too but left its taxis running.

Authorities were "exercising utmost restraint", the foreign ministry said in a statement. It rebuked some countries for remarks it described as flagrant interference in Myanmar's internal affairs.

Several Western countries have condemned the coup and decried the violence against protesters.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Twitter the United States would continue to "take firm action" against authorities violently cracking down on opponents of the coup in the Southeast Asian country that is also known as Burma.

"We stand with the people of Burma," he said.

Britain, Germany, Japan and Singapore have also condemned the violence and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said lethal force was unacceptable.

(With Reuters inputs)

Anti-coup protesters on Monday defied military junta's warning to take to streets. Businesses around the country observed a general strike. There were protests in cities and towns across the country on Monday, from the northern hills on the border with China to the central plains, the Irrawaddy river delta and the southern panhandle.

Anti-coup protesters on Monday defied military junta's warning to take to streets. Businesses around the country observed a general strike. There were protests in cities and towns across the country on Monday, from the northern hills on the border with China to the central plains, the Irrawaddy river delta and the southern panhandle. Images posted on social media showed a police water cannon truck and numerous other vehicles closing in to break up a procession of chanting people in Naypyitaw, where the military is headquartered. As the protesters scattered, police on foot chased them, wrestling several to the ground. "They're chasing and arresting us. We're just protesting peacefully," one woman said in video clip posted on Facebook. The protests have been going on daily ever since the military toppled Aung San Suu Kyi's government on February 1. The military has been unable to stop the protests. Three people have lost lives so far. Two were shot dead in Mandalay on Saturday. Funeral of the third protester, a young woman, was carried out on Sunday. It drew hundreds of people. "Everyone is joining this," said San San Maw, 46, at the Hledan junction in the main city of Yangon, which has become a rallying point for the protests. "We need to come out." In a country where dates are seen as auspicious, protesters noted the significance of the date 22.2.2021, comparing it with demonstrations on Aug. 8, 1988 when a previous generation staged anti-military protests which were bloodily suppressed. Military's response so far has been less deadly. The army also said one policeman died of injuries in the protest. "Stop the repression" UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on Myanmar military to stop the "repression" immediately. "Today, I call on the Myanmar military to stop the repression immediately. Release the prisoners. End the violence. Respect human rights, and the will of the people expressed in recent elections," Guterres told the UN Human Rights Council in a pre-recorded video message. Guterres has been increasingly vocal about situation in Myanmar. 'RESTRAINT' As well as local stores, international chains announced closures on Monday, including Yum Brands Inc.'s KFC and delivery service Food Panda, owned by Delivery Hero. Southeast Asian company Grab stopped delivery services too but left its taxis running. Authorities were "exercising utmost restraint", the foreign ministry said in a statement. It rebuked some countries for remarks it described as flagrant interference in Myanmar's internal affairs. Several Western countries have condemned the coup and decried the violence against protesters. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Twitter the United States would continue to "take firm action" against authorities violently cracking down on opponents of the coup in the Southeast Asian country that is also known as Burma. "We stand with the people of Burma," he said. Britain, Germany, Japan and Singapore have also condemned the violence and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said lethal force was unacceptable. (With Reuters inputs)

Myanmar: Protesters defy military's lethal warning to take to streets again

Chaotic situation post-military coup in Myanmar did not show any signs of normalcy on Thursday. Myanmar's military junta issued arrest warrants against six celebrities while anti-coup hackers targetted government websites. The celebrities face allegations of encouraging strikes that have paralysed many government offices. Nearly 500 people have been arrested so far. The army announced late on Wednesday that six celebrities, including film directors, actors and a singer, were wanted under an anti-incitement law for encouraging civil servants to join in the protest.

The charges can carry a two-year prison sentence.

Some of those on the list were defiant.

"It's amazing to see the unity of our people. People's power must return to the people," actor Lu Min posted on his Facebook page.

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Thousands of chanting protesters gathered on Thursday at a busy intersection near the main university in Yangon

Students were also due to gather in a different part of the city to protests against the Feb. 1 coup and detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The street marches have been more peaceful than bloodily suppressed demonstrations in a previous half-century of army rule, but they and the civil disobedience movement have had a crippling effect on much official business.

In the second-biggest city of Mandalay, protesters rallied to demand the release of two officials arrested in the coup.

Civil servants are striking and there are no signs of the strike easing in spite of appeals from military junta to resume work.

Meanwhile, anti-coup hackers attacked Myanmar government websites to protest against the coup.

A group called Myanmar Hackers disrupted websites including the Central Bank, the Myanmar military's propaganda page, state-run broadcaster MRTV, the Port Authority, and the Food and Drug Administration.

"We are fighting for justice in Myanmar," the group said on its Facebook page.

"It is like mass protesting of people in front of government websites."

Cybersecurity expert Matt Warren from Australia's RMIT University said it was likely the aim was to generate publicity.&nbsp;

"The sorts of attacks they would be undertaking are denial of service attacks or defacing websites which is called hacktivism," he told AFP.

"The impact will be potentially limited but what they are doing is raising awareness."

Internet access was severely curtailed for the fourth night running at about 1:00 am on Thursday (1830 GMT Wednesday), according to NetBlocks, a Britain-based group that monitors internet outages around the world.

It said connectivity had dropped to just 21 per cent of ordinary levels and was restored eight hours later ahead of the start of the working day.

"The practice is detrimental to public safety and incites confusion, fear and distress in difficult times," NetBlocks tweeted.

(With AFP inputs)

Chaotic situation post-military coup in Myanmar did not show any signs of normalcy on Thursday. Myanmar's military junta issued arrest warrants against six celebrities while anti-coup hackers targetted government websites.

Chaotic situation post-military coup in Myanmar did not show any signs of normalcy on Thursday. Myanmar's military junta issued arrest warrants against six celebrities while anti-coup hackers targetted government websites. The celebrities face allegations of encouraging strikes that have paralysed many government offices. Nearly 500 people have been arrested so far. The army announced late on Wednesday that six celebrities, including film directors, actors and a singer, were wanted under an anti-incitement law for encouraging civil servants to join in the protest. The charges can carry a two-year prison sentence. Some of those on the list were defiant. "It's amazing to see the unity of our people. People's power must return to the people," actor Lu Min posted on his Facebook page. × Thousands of chanting protesters gathered on Thursday at a busy intersection near the main university in Yangon Students were also due to gather in a different part of the city to protests against the Feb. 1 coup and detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The street marches have been more peaceful than bloodily suppressed demonstrations in a previous half-century of army rule, but they and the civil disobedience movement have had a crippling effect on much official business. In the second-biggest city of Mandalay, protesters rallied to demand the release of two officials arrested in the coup. Civil servants are striking and there are no signs of the strike easing in spite of appeals from military junta to resume work. Meanwhile, anti-coup hackers attacked Myanmar government websites to protest against the coup. A group called Myanmar Hackers disrupted websites including the Central Bank, the Myanmar military's propaganda page, state-run broadcaster MRTV, the Port Authority, and the Food and Drug Administration. "We are fighting for justice in Myanmar," the group said on its Facebook page. "It is like mass protesting of people in front of government websites." Cybersecurity expert Matt Warren from Australia's RMIT University said it was likely the aim was to generate publicity. "The sorts of attacks they would be undertaking are denial of service attacks or defacing websites which is called hacktivism," he told AFP. "The impact will be potentially limited but what they are doing is raising awareness." Internet access was severely curtailed for the fourth night running at about 1:00 am on Thursday (1830 GMT Wednesday), according to NetBlocks, a Britain-based group that monitors internet outages around the world. It said connectivity had dropped to just 21 per cent of ordinary levels and was restored eight hours later ahead of the start of the working day. "The practice is detrimental to public safety and incites confusion, fear and distress in difficult times," NetBlocks tweeted. (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar protests: Military issues warrants against celebrities; hackers target government websites

The military coup and subsequent detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi halted an unsteady transition to democracy that began in 2011.

Myanmar army suspends laws limiting forces, orders arrest of protest backers