Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court on Friday (December 17) wearing prison clothes. The 76-year-old Nobel laureate was wearing the white top and brown wraparound longyi, which is the uniform for prisoners in the South Asian country as mentioned by Reuters report.&nbsp;

Important to note that this is for the first time Suu Kyi was seen in prison clothes. She was sentenced to two years' detention for incitement against the military and breaching coronavirus rules.&nbsp;

Myanmar has been in chaos and since February when Suu Kyi's civilian government was ousted by the military junta. Pro-democracy protests erupted across the country.&nbsp;

Junta opposed the protests with a brutal crackdown that has left more than 1,300 people dead, hundreds are injured, thousands arrested if reports by according to a local monitor are to be believed. There's no certainty over how the prisoners are being treated.&nbsp;

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In court today, <a href="https://twitter.com/MyanmarSC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MyanmarSC</a> Aung San Suu Kyi's was seen wearing a white shirt and a brown longyi, and Dr.Myo Aung was wearing a white shirt and a blue longyi. These uniforms were sent by prison authorities.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dec17Coup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dec17Coup</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsHappeningInMyanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar</a> <a href="https://t.co/QPVWqe4k2h">pic.twitter.com/QPVWqe4k2h</a>
— Myat Phyo (@Danial_Phyo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Danial_Phyo/status/1471881389930733588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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'Alarming escalation in Myanmar'

Recently, the United Nations warned of an "alarming escalation" of human rights abuses in Myanmar as the military tried to crush dissent.&nbsp;

AFP mentioned that they were responding to the reported killing of 11 villagers, including children.&nbsp;

The United States said it was "outraged by credible and sickening reports" the military tied up and burned the victims alive.

Not just that, the United States also imposed sanctions and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has drawn up a peace roadmap.&nbsp;

As mentioned by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US is considering new measures to pressure the Myanmar junta to return to a "democratic trajectory".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court on Friday (December 17) wearing prison clothes. The 76-year-old Nobel laureate was wearing the white top and brown wraparound longyi, which is the uniform for prisoners in the South Asian country as mentioned by Reuters report.

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court on Friday (December 17) wearing prison clothes. The 76-year-old Nobel laureate was wearing the white top and brown wraparound longyi, which is the uniform for prisoners in the South Asian country as mentioned by Reuters report. Important to note that this is for the first time Suu Kyi was seen in prison clothes. She was sentenced to two years' detention for incitement against the military and breaching coronavirus rules. Myanmar has been in chaos and since February when Suu Kyi's civilian government was ousted by the military junta. Pro-democracy protests erupted across the country. Junta opposed the protests with a brutal crackdown that has left more than 1,300 people dead, hundreds are injured, thousands arrested if reports by according to a local monitor are to be believed. There's no certainty over how the prisoners are being treated. ALSO READ | Pakistan didn't take action against terrorists as groups targeting India continue to operate: US Report In court today, @MyanmarSC Aung San Suu Kyi's was seen wearing a white shirt and a brown longyi, and Dr.Myo Aung was wearing a white shirt and a blue longyi. These uniforms were sent by prison authorities.#Dec17Coup#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar pic.twitter.com/QPVWqe4k2h — Myat Phyo (@Danial_Phyo) December 17, 2021 × 'Alarming escalation in Myanmar' Recently, the United Nations warned of an "alarming escalation" of human rights abuses in Myanmar as the military tried to crush dissent. AFP mentioned that they were responding to the reported killing of 11 villagers, including children. The United States said it was "outraged by credible and sickening reports" the military tied up and burned the victims alive. Not just that, the United States also imposed sanctions and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has drawn up a peace roadmap. As mentioned by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US is considering new measures to pressure the Myanmar junta to return to a "democratic trajectory". (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appears in court wearing prison uniform

Since the Junta takeover in Myanmar, several pro-democracy protestors have been killed. Civilians in deep forest areas are now learning how to fire weapons in a makeshift camp. Here we bring you more on this.

Myanmar: People prepare fight against Junta

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			The United States is considering new measures to pressure the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;junta to return to a "democratic trajectory", Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday, as alarm grows over an escalating crackdown on dissent.

			Myanmar&nbsp;has been in chaos since February when Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government was ousted by the military.

			The United States has imposed some sanctions and regional bloc the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has drawn up a peace roadmap, but there are serious doubts about the generals' commitment.

			Speaking during a visit to Malaysia -- among several ASEAN states that have strongly criticised the coup -- Blinken conceded that the "situation has not improved".

			"I think it is going to be very important in the weeks and months ahead to look at what additional steps and measures we can take -- individually, collectively -- to pressure the regime to put the country back on a democratic trajectory," he said.&nbsp;

			"That is something that we are looking at," he added, without saying what the measures might be.

			The coup triggered nationwide protests but the junta has responded with a brutal crackdown that has left more than 1,300 people dead and seen thousands arrested, according to a local monitor.

			Blinken also said the United States was looking "very actively" at whether the treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;might "constitute genocide".

			The group faces widespread discrimination in&nbsp;Myanmar, and hundreds of thousands fled to neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 following a military crackdown.

			'Alarming escalation'

			Last week, the United Nations warned of an "alarming escalation" of human rights abuses in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;as the military tried to crush dissent.

			They were responding to the reported killing of 11 villagers, including children.

			The United States said it was "outraged by credible and sickening reports" the military tied up and burned the victims alive.

			The junta, locked in a bloody stalemate with militias fighting to overturn the coup, denied the claims.

			The generals have shown little sign of changing course despite sustained diplomatic pressure.

			ASEAN took the unprecedented step of banning junta chief Min Aung Hlaing from its October summit after the generals refused to let the bloc's envoy meet Suu Kyi.

			But there are signs that Cambodia –- which takes over ASEAN's rotating chairmanship next year -- is seeking to bring&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;back into the fold.

			Its strongman premier Hun Sen plans to travel to the country for talks in January, becoming the first international leader to visit&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;since the coup.

			Last week, Suu Kyi was sentenced to two years' detention for incitement against the military and breaching coronavirus rules, drawing fresh condemnation from around the world.

			The junta has justified the coup by alleging electoral fraud in last year's poll, and Suu Kyi faces a raft of further charges that could see her jailed for decades if convicted.rds
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The United States is considering new measures to pressure the Myanmar junta to return to a "democratic trajectory", Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday, as alarm grows over an escalating crackdown on dissent.

The United States is considering new measures to pressure the Myanmar junta to return to a "democratic trajectory", Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday, as alarm grows over an escalating crackdown on dissent. Myanmar has been in chaos since February when Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government was ousted by the military. The United States has imposed some sanctions and regional bloc the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has drawn up a peace roadmap, but there are serious doubts about the generals' commitment. Speaking during a visit to Malaysia -- among several ASEAN states that have strongly criticised the coup -- Blinken conceded that the "situation has not improved". "I think it is going to be very important in the weeks and months ahead to look at what additional steps and measures we can take -- individually, collectively -- to pressure the regime to put the country back on a democratic trajectory," he said. "That is something that we are looking at," he added, without saying what the measures might be. The coup triggered nationwide protests but the junta has responded with a brutal crackdown that has left more than 1,300 people dead and seen thousands arrested, according to a local monitor. Blinken also said the United States was looking "very actively" at whether the treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority Myanmar might "constitute genocide". The group faces widespread discrimination in Myanmar, and hundreds of thousands fled to neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 following a military crackdown. 'Alarming escalation' Last week, the United Nations warned of an "alarming escalation" of human rights abuses in Myanmar as the military tried to crush dissent. They were responding to the reported killing of 11 villagers, including children. The United States said it was "outraged by credible and sickening reports" the military tied up and burned the victims alive. The junta, locked in a bloody stalemate with militias fighting to overturn the coup, denied the claims. The generals have shown little sign of changing course despite sustained diplomatic pressure. ASEAN took the unprecedented step of banning junta chief Min Aung Hlaing from its October summit after the generals refused to let the bloc's envoy meet Suu Kyi. But there are signs that Cambodia –- which takes over ASEAN's rotating chairmanship next year -- is seeking to bring Myanmar back into the fold. Its strongman premier Hun Sen plans to travel to the country for talks in January, becoming the first international leader to visit Myanmar since the coup. Last week, Suu Kyi was sentenced to two years' detention for incitement against the military and breaching coronavirus rules, drawing fresh condemnation from around the world. The junta has justified the coup by alleging electoral fraud in last year's poll, and Suu Kyi faces a raft of further charges that could see her jailed for decades if convicted.rds

'Situation has not improved': US threatens new measures against Myanmar junta

A freelance photojournalist in Myanmar, Soe Naing, has died in military custody after he was arrested last week while covering protests, reports Associated Press. While over 100 journalists have been detained since the February coup, Soe Naing happens to be the first one to die in custody.

Journalists have been prominent targets for&nbsp;arrest after the coup as the new government is seeking to clamp down any source&nbsp;of information.

Apart from this, many outlets have been forced to close or operate underground, with their staff always being targeted. 
Soe Naing was arrested on Friday when he was in Yangon taking photos of the “silent strike" held by anti-coup demonstrators.

After being arrested, the journalist was sent to a military interrogation centre in Yangon’s eastern Botahtaung Township. His family was informed on Tuesday morning that he died at the 1,000-bed Defense Services general hospital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/silent-strike-against-myanmar-junta-leads-to-deserted-streets-435969">Also read |&nbsp;'Silent strike' against Myanmar junta leads to deserted streets</a>

The streets of downtown Yangon were seen with no street vendors. Also, the famous Shwedagon pagoda, a Buddhist site usually full of visitors and pilgrims was all empty.&nbsp;

The country has been in turmoil since February, triggering nationwide protests. Over 1,300 people have been killed so far for protesting against the army.

Soe Naing had been covering the crisis in Myanmar for months now. His work majorly covered the anti-military protests and crackdowns by security forces. His work was also sometimes picked up by foreign news agencies.

(With inputs from agencies)

A freelance photojournalist in Myanmar, Soe Naing, has died in military custody after he was arrested last week while covering protests, reports Associated Press.

A freelance photojournalist in Myanmar, Soe Naing, has died in military custody after he was arrested last week while covering protests, reports Associated Press. While over 100 journalists have been detained since the February coup, Soe Naing happens to be the first one to die in custody. Journalists have been prominent targets for arrest after the coup as the new government is seeking to clamp down any source of information. Apart from this, many outlets have been forced to close or operate underground, with their staff always being targeted. Soe Naing was arrested on Friday when he was in Yangon taking photos of the “silent strike" held by anti-coup demonstrators. After being arrested, the journalist was sent to a military interrogation centre in Yangon’s eastern Botahtaung Township. His family was informed on Tuesday morning that he died at the 1,000-bed Defense Services general hospital. Also read | 'Silent strike' against Myanmar junta leads to deserted streets The streets of downtown Yangon were seen with no street vendors. Also, the famous Shwedagon pagoda, a Buddhist site usually full of visitors and pilgrims was all empty. The country has been in turmoil since February, triggering nationwide protests. Over 1,300 people have been killed so far for protesting against the army. Soe Naing had been covering the crisis in Myanmar for months now. His work majorly covered the anti-military protests and crackdowns by security forces. His work was also sometimes picked up by foreign news agencies. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar photojournalist, Soe Naing, dies a week after being arrested

Human Rights Watch noted that the Myanmar military junta is blocking "desperately needed" humanitarian aid from reaching millions of people in the South Asian nation.&nbsp;

It's important to note that mass protests have been taking place across Myanmar since the military seized control this year on February 1. As per the reports, hundreds of people, including children and women, have been killed so far.&nbsp;

In a statement by the Human Rights Watch, it has been revealed that the junta and its security forces have imposed new travel restrictions on humanitarian workers.&nbsp;

EXPLAINER |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-are-people-in-pakistans-gwadar-protesting-against-the-chinese-here-is-what-we-know-436605">Why are people in Pakistan's Gwadar protesting against the Chinese? Here is what we know</a>

They have blocked access roads, destroyed non-military supplies and shut down telecommunications services. The Human Rights Watch also reported that the aid workers have been attacked.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the February 1 coup, the Myanmar currency saw severe devaluation, leading to banking and supply chain crises and shortages of food, medicine and other basic amenities. Since the coup, the junta has carried out a nationwide crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.&nbsp;

In the statement, the Human Rights Watch also urged the United Nations, the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and concerned governments to press the State Administration Council (SAC) junta to urgently allow humanitarian aids to reach all those who need them.

Shayna Bauchner, Asia researcher as quoted by the Human Rights Watch, said, "Myanmar's junta has worsened a self-created humanitarian catastrophe by displacing hundreds of thousands of people and then blocking the critical support they need to survive."

"The generals are callously denying lifesaving assistance to people affected by conflict since the military takeover, seemingly as a form of punishment," he added.&nbsp;

In a report by Human Rights Watch, it has been revealed that fighting in some ethnic minority areas has expanded, resulting in war crimes. The crisis has displaced over 284,000 people, with an estimated 22,000 refugees fleeing to India and Thailand.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch noted that the Myanmar military junta is blocking "desperately needed" humanitarian aid from reaching millions of people in the South Asian nation.

Human Rights Watch noted that the Myanmar military junta is blocking "desperately needed" humanitarian aid from reaching millions of people in the South Asian nation. It's important to note that mass protests have been taking place across Myanmar since the military seized control this year on February 1. As per the reports, hundreds of people, including children and women, have been killed so far. In a statement by the Human Rights Watch, it has been revealed that the junta and its security forces have imposed new travel restrictions on humanitarian workers. EXPLAINER | Why are people in Pakistan's Gwadar protesting against the Chinese? Here is what we know They have blocked access roads, destroyed non-military supplies and shut down telecommunications services. The Human Rights Watch also reported that the aid workers have been attacked. In the aftermath of the February 1 coup, the Myanmar currency saw severe devaluation, leading to banking and supply chain crises and shortages of food, medicine and other basic amenities. Since the coup, the junta has carried out a nationwide crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. In the statement, the Human Rights Watch also urged the United Nations, the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and concerned governments to press the State Administration Council (SAC) junta to urgently allow humanitarian aids to reach all those who need them. Shayna Bauchner, Asia researcher as quoted by the Human Rights Watch, said, "Myanmar's junta has worsened a self-created humanitarian catastrophe by displacing hundreds of thousands of people and then blocking the critical support they need to survive." "The generals are callously denying lifesaving assistance to people affected by conflict since the military takeover, seemingly as a form of punishment," he added. In a report by Human Rights Watch, it has been revealed that fighting in some ethnic minority areas has expanded, resulting in war crimes. The crisis has displaced over 284,000 people, with an estimated 22,000 refugees fleeing to India and Thailand.

Myanmar junta blocking life-saving aid from reaching millions: Report

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will head to Southeast Asia next week on a tour designed to show the region's importance for the US strategy of confronting China, and to further address the "worsening" crisis in military-ruled&nbsp;Myanmar.

Blinken will start off his round-the-world journey with a meeting with his G7 colleagues Friday through Sunday in Liverpool, England, his spokesman Ned Price said in a statement Wednesday.

Among other issues Blinken will discuss "the buildup of Russian forces on Ukraine's border" -- a red hot crisis that was addressed by President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in their virtual summit on Tuesday.

Blinken will then head to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to stress the top priority of US foreign policy, which is to challenge an ever more assertive China.

The United States accuses China of regional intimidation and pressure, especially in the South China Sea.

"The secretary's meetings will focus on strengthening the regional security infrastructure in response to PRC bullying in the South China Sea," Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, told reporters, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China.

Kritenbrink added that Blinken will discuss "unilateral PRC actions in the Mekong River," as well as "freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight."

The Chinese government has come under criticism for building dams upstream on the Mekong River, which affects water levels and fisheries in neighboring countries.

"We oppose any actions by the People's Republic of China or any other actor designed to destabilize the region," Kritenbrink said.

In Jakarta, Blinken will give a speech "on the significance of the Indo-Pacific region" while in Kuala Lumpur he will address the need for the region to remain "free and open," Price said.

"In each country the secretary will reiterate to his counterparts the importance of holding the Burmese military regime to account for its crimes and seeking to restore&nbsp;Burma's path to democracy," Kritenbrink said, using a former name for&nbsp;Myanmar.

The United States has repeatedly denounced the February 1 military coup that ousted the civilian government in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and the jailing of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Blinken will stop in Hawaii December 17 on his way home.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will head to Southeast Asia next week on a tour designed to show the region's importance for the US strategy of confronting China, and to further address the "worsening" crisis in military-ruled Myanmar.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will head to Southeast Asia next week on a tour designed to show the region's importance for the US strategy of confronting China, and to further address the "worsening" crisis in military-ruled Myanmar. Blinken will start off his round-the-world journey with a meeting with his G7 colleagues Friday through Sunday in Liverpool, England, his spokesman Ned Price said in a statement Wednesday. Among other issues Blinken will discuss "the buildup of Russian forces on Ukraine's border" -- a red hot crisis that was addressed by President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in their virtual summit on Tuesday. Blinken will then head to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to stress the top priority of US foreign policy, which is to challenge an ever more assertive China. The United States accuses China of regional intimidation and pressure, especially in the South China Sea. "The secretary's meetings will focus on strengthening the regional security infrastructure in response to PRC bullying in the South China Sea," Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, told reporters, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China. Kritenbrink added that Blinken will discuss "unilateral PRC actions in the Mekong River," as well as "freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight." The Chinese government has come under criticism for building dams upstream on the Mekong River, which affects water levels and fisheries in neighboring countries. "We oppose any actions by the People's Republic of China or any other actor designed to destabilize the region," Kritenbrink said. In Jakarta, Blinken will give a speech "on the significance of the Indo-Pacific region" while in Kuala Lumpur he will address the need for the region to remain "free and open," Price said. "In each country the secretary will reiterate to his counterparts the importance of holding the Burmese military regime to account for its crimes and seeking to restore Burma's path to democracy," Kritenbrink said, using a former name for Myanmar. The United States has repeatedly denounced the February 1 military coup that ousted the civilian government in Myanmar and the jailing of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Blinken will stop in Hawaii December 17 on his way home.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed for Southeast Asia with China, Myanmar on agenda

The streets of Myanmar were all empty on Friday as anti-coup demonstrators held a "silent strike."&nbsp;

"Restaurants, shops, and the main market are all closed," a resident of second city Mandalay said while speaking to AFP. "There have been no street vendors since this morning, no early morning walkers."

Several pictures that surfaced on social media showed deserted streets and roads. According to reports by AFP, the streets of downtown Yangon&nbsp;were seen with no street vendors. Also, the famous Shwedagon pagoda, a Buddhist site usually full of visitors and pilgrims was all empty.&nbsp;

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Traditionally, one of the busiest streets in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yangon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yangon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Myanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Myanmar</a> has fallen silent as part of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SilentStrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SilentStrike</a> movement to protest against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/militarycoup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#militarycoup</a> Such a scene happening across Yangon and around the country. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsHappeningInMyanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dec10Coup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dec10Coup</a> 
<a href="https://t.co/swpmPKeQey">pic.twitter.com/swpmPKeQey</a>
— amyae (@amyae18) <a href="https://twitter.com/amyae18/status/1469179590190850048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The strike came to an end at 4 pm, when Yangon neighbourhoods resounded to the noise of mass clapping. &nbsp;

The country has been in turmoil since the month of February, triggering nationwide protests. Over 1,300 people have been killed so far for protesting against the army.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-at-least-5-dead-after-military-truck-drives-into-protesters-434440">Also read |&nbsp;Myanmar: At least 5 dead after military truck drives into protesters</a>

This came in a few days after there were reports of several people being killed after a military truck drove into a crowd of protesters in Yangon. The peaceful rally was then violently dispersed, revealed a journalist and several eyewitnesses.

Speaking with AFP on the condition of anonymity, the journalist said, "They increased the speed when they got closer to the protesters, it was like they drove into them."

He further revealed that a few people, who were carrying banners in support of Aung San Suu Kyi, were hit and dragged to the ground. Also, the soldiers soon started firing at the crowd, he said.&nbsp;

While the United Nations has claimed that this incident would amount to the crimes against humanity, Myanmar's MRTV news reported that security forces "took action" on the protesters. Also, there was no mention of soldiers using a vehicle to disperse them.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The streets of Myanmar were all empty on Friday as anti-coup demonstrators held a "silent strike." "Restaurants, shops, and the main market are all closed," a resident of second city Mandalay said while speaking to AFP.

The streets of Myanmar were all empty on Friday as anti-coup demonstrators held a "silent strike." "Restaurants, shops, and the main market are all closed," a resident of second city Mandalay said while speaking to AFP. "There have been no street vendors since this morning, no early morning walkers." Several pictures that surfaced on social media showed deserted streets and roads. According to reports by AFP, the streets of downtown Yangon were seen with no street vendors. Also, the famous Shwedagon pagoda, a Buddhist site usually full of visitors and pilgrims was all empty. Traditionally, one of the busiest streets in #Yangon #Myanmar has fallen silent as part of #SilentStrike movement to protest against #militarycoup Such a scene happening across Yangon and around the country. #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar#Dec10Coup pic.twitter.com/swpmPKeQey — amyae (@amyae18) December 10, 2021 × The strike came to an end at 4 pm, when Yangon neighbourhoods resounded to the noise of mass clapping. The country has been in turmoil since the month of February, triggering nationwide protests. Over 1,300 people have been killed so far for protesting against the army. Also read | Myanmar: At least 5 dead after military truck drives into protesters This came in a few days after there were reports of several people being killed after a military truck drove into a crowd of protesters in Yangon. The peaceful rally was then violently dispersed, revealed a journalist and several eyewitnesses. Speaking with AFP on the condition of anonymity, the journalist said, "They increased the speed when they got closer to the protesters, it was like they drove into them." He further revealed that a few people, who were carrying banners in support of Aung San Suu Kyi, were hit and dragged to the ground. Also, the soldiers soon started firing at the crowd, he said. While the United Nations has claimed that this incident would amount to the crimes against humanity, Myanmar's MRTV news reported that security forces "took action" on the protesters. Also, there was no mention of soldiers using a vehicle to disperse them. (With inputs from agencies)

'Silent strike' against Myanmar junta leads to deserted streets

Meanwhile, citizens across Myanmar have of course staged a silent strike in protest against the current military government highways shopping areas, and also marketplaces across Myanmar's Yangon were completely deserted during the strike.

Myanmar citizens stage silent protests

Myanmar&nbsp;soldiers have been accused of rounding up 11 people in a village in a central area of the strife-torn country before shooting them and setting fire to their bodies, according to residents in the area and media reports.

The charred remains were found in a village in Sagaing, an area which has seen fierce fighting between security forces and militia set up by opponents of military rule since a February&nbsp;1 coup, said residents, who said some of the victims were still alive when burned.

Video footage purporting to show the burned bodies was circulated on social media and images were published by some media including the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Now news portal.

Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage or claims over how the 11 died and a spokesman for the junta did not answer calls seeking comment.

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A volunteer aid worker in the area, who asked not to be identified, said by telephone troops had entered Don Taw village early on Tuesday and the victims were killed at around 11 am&nbsp;that day.

"The troops were just brutally killing anyone they could find," the volunteer said, citing witness accounts. The volunteer has assisted people who have fled Don Taw and other nearby villages.

The volunteer said it was unclear if the victims were militia members or ordinary civilians.

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in chaos since the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically elected government, with widespread protests and the formation of militia, known as People's Defence Forces (PDF), to take on the well-equipped army.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suu-kyi-falls-but-myanmars-democratic-hopes-move-on-434671">Suu Kyi falls, but Myanmar’s democratic hopes move on</a>

Kyaw Wunna, a member of a PDF in the region, said by telephone he was informed that troops had arrived firing weapons and those detained were taken to a field near the village before being killed.

Kyaw Wunna declined to disclose the source of the information.

Another volunteer aid worker said they had spoken to witnesses among some of the 3,000 people who had fled from five villages in the area and had gone into hiding, fearful of more arrests and killings.

A relative of one of the victims told Reuters the dead man, Htet Ko, was a 22-year-old university student and not a member of any militia and not armed.

"This is inhumane. I feel deep pain in my heart," said the relative, who said the man had tried to flee, but had been wounded by gun fire.

Dr Sasa, a spokesperson for&nbsp;Myanmar's shadow civilian government set up following the coup, alleged the victims had been "lashed together, tortured, and ultimately burned alive".

In a post on social media, he listed what he said were the names of the 11, all male and including a boy of 14.

"These horrific attacks show that the military have no regard for the sanctity of human life," he said.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a monitoring group cited by the United Nations, says more than 10,700 civilians have been detained and 1,300 killed by security forces since the military seized power.

The military says AAPP is biased and uses exaggerated data and that hundreds of soldiers have also been killed.

Myanmar soldiers have been accused of rounding up 11 people in a village in a central area of the strife-torn country before shooting them and setting fire to their bodies, according to residents in the area and media reports.

Myanmar soldiers have been accused of rounding up 11 people in a village in a central area of the strife-torn country before shooting them and setting fire to their bodies, according to residents in the area and media reports. The charred remains were found in a village in Sagaing, an area which has seen fierce fighting between security forces and militia set up by opponents of military rule since a February 1 coup, said residents, who said some of the victims were still alive when burned. Video footage purporting to show the burned bodies was circulated on social media and images were published by some media including the Myanmar Now news portal. Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage or claims over how the 11 died and a spokesman for the junta did not answer calls seeking comment. ALSO READ | Aung San Suu Kyi's jail term reduced by two years A volunteer aid worker in the area, who asked not to be identified, said by telephone troops had entered Don Taw village early on Tuesday and the victims were killed at around 11 am that day. "The troops were just brutally killing anyone they could find," the volunteer said, citing witness accounts. The volunteer has assisted people who have fled Don Taw and other nearby villages. The volunteer said it was unclear if the victims were militia members or ordinary civilians. Myanmar has been in chaos since the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically elected government, with widespread protests and the formation of militia, known as People's Defence Forces (PDF), to take on the well-equipped army. ALSO READ | Suu Kyi falls, but Myanmar’s democratic hopes move on Kyaw Wunna, a member of a PDF in the region, said by telephone he was informed that troops had arrived firing weapons and those detained were taken to a field near the village before being killed. Kyaw Wunna declined to disclose the source of the information. Another volunteer aid worker said they had spoken to witnesses among some of the 3,000 people who had fled from five villages in the area and had gone into hiding, fearful of more arrests and killings. A relative of one of the victims told Reuters the dead man, Htet Ko, was a 22-year-old university student and not a member of any militia and not armed. "This is inhumane. I feel deep pain in my heart," said the relative, who said the man had tried to flee, but had been wounded by gun fire. Dr Sasa, a spokesperson for Myanmar's shadow civilian government set up following the coup, alleged the victims had been "lashed together, tortured, and ultimately burned alive". In a post on social media, he listed what he said were the names of the 11, all male and including a boy of 14. "These horrific attacks show that the military have no regard for the sanctity of human life," he said. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a monitoring group cited by the United Nations, says more than 10,700 civilians have been detained and 1,300 killed by security forces since the military seized power. The military says AAPP is biased and uses exaggerated data and that hundreds of soldiers have also been killed.

Myanmar soldiers accused of killing 11 after charred remains found

Myanmar's deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi was handed a two-year jail sentence over incitement charges. The world has condemned the trial as 'politically motivated'. How is the Junta surviving despite public discontent and global outrage? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Aung San Suu Kyi jailed for 2 years in 'sham trial'

When a court in Myanmar on Monday sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi to four years in custody, it closed a chapter on an era of weak and compromised democracy in a Southeast Asian nation long ruled by a military fist.

But already, a new democratic movement has emerged — younger, more progressive, more confrontational and ready to look beyond Suu Kyi for a guiding light. Hope now rests with an immensely popular shadow government that formed after Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s civilian leader, was detained by the military in a Feb. 1 coup.

The challenges are immense for this new group of leaders, known as the National Unity Government, many of whom are forced to operate from exile.

The junta is unlikely to be dislodged without unimaginable bloodshed. It and thousands of protesters, some of whom have taken up arms, are locked in a violent stalemate, prompting a top U.N. official to warn of an “alarming possibility of an escalating civil war.” No foreign nation has recognized the shadow government, although its representatives have met with senior U.S. officials, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

What is clear, however, is that politics in Myanmar have been reshaped. The self-proclaimed government has reach throughout society. With the help of the protest movement, it operates underground schools, clinics and hospitals. When it announced last month that it would sell “bonds” to fund its revolution, it raised $6.3 million in one day. In September, it called for a “people’s war” against the junta, prompting thousands of protesters known as the People’s Defense Forces to prepare for armed conflict.

“The landscape has completely changed,” said Khin Ohmar, a veteran democracy activist based in Virginia who runs a human rights organization in Myanmar. “The mainstream politics, the actors, the people’s political awareness — it’s all very different.”

Suu Kyi still has legions of devoted followers in Myanmar, who decry the military’s treatment of her. After her sentencing Monday to four years on charges of inciting public unrest and breaching COVID-19 protocols, she is facing a further series of verdicts that could keep her locked up for the rest of her life.

But there is a deeper recognition now that her government let down many people, including ethnic minorities and rights activists.

Suu Kyi’s vision of democracy, both by circumstance and by choice, was constricted. Most of the ministers she appointed came from the Bamar ethnic majority and nearly all of them belonged to her party, the National League of Democracy, or were people who supported the NLD. When she headed the civilian government, she named only one woman to the Cabinet — herself.

The National Unity Government has assembled a more diverse leadership, appointing members of ethnic minorities to top positions. It has ensured that about one-third of its ministers come from groups other than the Bamar majority, and from parties other than the National League of Democracy. Nine of the 37 Cabinet ministers are women.

In June, the unity government said Rohingya Muslims should be given equal rights, in stark contrast to Suu Kyi. She repeatedly refused to criticize the army’s campaign of ethnic violence against the Rohingya in 2017, when thousands were killed and more than 700,000 were driven across the border to Bangladesh. In 2019, she defended the army’s brutal conduct at The Hague, prompting calls for her to return the Nobel Peace Prize she was awarded in 1991.

The unity government has also proposed federalism as a way to reach out to the country’s ethnic groups. It announced that, if it took power, it would repeal the 2008 constitution, which gives the military authority to block any constitutional change that could undermine its power.

“I think a lot of the dynamics and a lot of the story has moved beyond Aung San Suu Kyi,” said Richard Horsey, a senior adviser on Myanmar for the International Crisis Group. “It’s not because she’s no longer loved and respected. It’s just that she’s been silenced, and a lot of things have happened without her and have taken on a life of their own.”

The National Unity Government lists Suu Kyi as one of its top leaders and has retained her title of state counselor. But it has also signaled a desire to move away from the model of concentrated power she employed as head of the civilian half of the government for five years.

The unity government says it will seek a broader consensus and take advice from a political body called the National Unity Consultative Council, which is made up of lawmakers from several political parties, ethnic armed organizations, civil society and people belonging to the broad-based protest movement.

“Our organization will not be led by a single person,” Ko Naing, of the activist group 88 Generation Peace and Open Society, said at a news conference last month to unveil the consultative council. “It will be more like a collective leadership.”

Suu Kyi has been held incommunicado in a house in Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar. One person who has spoken with her on several occasions since her arrest said her legal team had kept her informed on major events and the steps being taken by the shadow government, but that she was in no position to offer advice or guidance.

In private, she has expressed concern about the fate of the people and the brutality they have faced at the hands of the military. She was especially concerned that so many people had been killed and that so many young people were taking up arms.

Moe Zaw Oo, the deputy foreign minister under the unity government, said he believed that if Suu Kyi were to be released, she would support the decisions it was making while she was detained.

“There were times during her house arrest in the 1990s and 2000s when the NLD had to make decisions in her absence,” said Moe Zaw Oo, who once served as an aide to her. “Later, when she was out, she respected those decisions and understood that decisions had to be made under certain circumstances. So, this time again, I believe she will accept what the remaining NLD leaders had to do.”

But Thinzar Shunlei Yi, a 30-year-old rights activist in Myanmar, said the revolution did not need Suu Kyi anymore because she “has done her part.”

“We want to draft a new script for our country because the time has come,” she said. “Now this is the time for the younger generations and the ethnic leaders to take the leadership positions. Because the country is not just about one person. It’s about everyone.”

Khin Zaw Win, director of the Tampadipa Institute, a policy advocacy organization based in Yangon, Myanmar’s most populous city, said none of the measures promised by the National Unity Government would have happened under “the shadow of Aung San Suu Kyi.”

He pointed out that she did not plan for a successor or bring new blood into the National League of Democracy, which he said was run like an “exclusive” club. Instead, she surrounded herself with advisers in their 70s and 80s.

“Every day, day by day, Aung San Suu Kyi has less and less to do with the revolution,” said Khin Zaw Win. “The show can go on without her. It’s better for the show to go on without her.”

When a court in Myanmar on Monday sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi to four years in custody, it closed a chapter on an era of weak and compromised democracy in a Southeast Asian nation long ruled by a military fist.

When a court in Myanmar on Monday sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi to four years in custody, it closed a chapter on an era of weak and compromised democracy in a Southeast Asian nation long ruled by a military fist. But already, a new democratic movement has emerged — younger, more progressive, more confrontational and ready to look beyond Suu Kyi for a guiding light. Hope now rests with an immensely popular shadow government that formed after Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s civilian leader, was detained by the military in a Feb. 1 coup. The challenges are immense for this new group of leaders, known as the National Unity Government, many of whom are forced to operate from exile. The junta is unlikely to be dislodged without unimaginable bloodshed. It and thousands of protesters, some of whom have taken up arms, are locked in a violent stalemate, prompting a top U.N. official to warn of an “alarming possibility of an escalating civil war.” No foreign nation has recognized the shadow government, although its representatives have met with senior U.S. officials, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan. What is clear, however, is that politics in Myanmar have been reshaped. The self-proclaimed government has reach throughout society. With the help of the protest movement, it operates underground schools, clinics and hospitals. When it announced last month that it would sell “bonds” to fund its revolution, it raised $6.3 million in one day. In September, it called for a “people’s war” against the junta, prompting thousands of protesters known as the People’s Defense Forces to prepare for armed conflict. “The landscape has completely changed,” said Khin Ohmar, a veteran democracy activist based in Virginia who runs a human rights organization in Myanmar. “The mainstream politics, the actors, the people’s political awareness — it’s all very different.” Suu Kyi still has legions of devoted followers in Myanmar, who decry the military’s treatment of her. After her sentencing Monday to four years on charges of inciting public unrest and breaching COVID-19 protocols, she is facing a further series of verdicts that could keep her locked up for the rest of her life. But there is a deeper recognition now that her government let down many people, including ethnic minorities and rights activists. Suu Kyi’s vision of democracy, both by circumstance and by choice, was constricted. Most of the ministers she appointed came from the Bamar ethnic majority and nearly all of them belonged to her party, the National League of Democracy, or were people who supported the NLD. When she headed the civilian government, she named only one woman to the Cabinet — herself. The National Unity Government has assembled a more diverse leadership, appointing members of ethnic minorities to top positions. It has ensured that about one-third of its ministers come from groups other than the Bamar majority, and from parties other than the National League of Democracy. Nine of the 37 Cabinet ministers are women. In June, the unity government said Rohingya Muslims should be given equal rights, in stark contrast to Suu Kyi. She repeatedly refused to criticize the army’s campaign of ethnic violence against the Rohingya in 2017, when thousands were killed and more than 700,000 were driven across the border to Bangladesh. In 2019, she defended the army’s brutal conduct at The Hague, prompting calls for her to return the Nobel Peace Prize she was awarded in 1991. The unity government has also proposed federalism as a way to reach out to the country’s ethnic groups. It announced that, if it took power, it would repeal the 2008 constitution, which gives the military authority to block any constitutional change that could undermine its power. “I think a lot of the dynamics and a lot of the story has moved beyond Aung San Suu Kyi,” said Richard Horsey, a senior adviser on Myanmar for the International Crisis Group. “It’s not because she’s no longer loved and respected. It’s just that she’s been silenced, and a lot of things have happened without her and have taken on a life of their own.” The National Unity Government lists Suu Kyi as one of its top leaders and has retained her title of state counselor. But it has also signaled a desire to move away from the model of concentrated power she employed as head of the civilian half of the government for five years. The unity government says it will seek a broader consensus and take advice from a political body called the National Unity Consultative Council, which is made up of lawmakers from several political parties, ethnic armed organizations, civil society and people belonging to the broad-based protest movement. “Our organization will not be led by a single person,” Ko Naing, of the activist group 88 Generation Peace and Open Society, said at a news conference last month to unveil the consultative council. “It will be more like a collective leadership.” Suu Kyi has been held incommunicado in a house in Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar. One person who has spoken with her on several occasions since her arrest said her legal team had kept her informed on major events and the steps being taken by the shadow government, but that she was in no position to offer advice or guidance. In private, she has expressed concern about the fate of the people and the brutality they have faced at the hands of the military. She was especially concerned that so many people had been killed and that so many young people were taking up arms. Moe Zaw Oo, the deputy foreign minister under the unity government, said he believed that if Suu Kyi were to be released, she would support the decisions it was making while she was detained. “There were times during her house arrest in the 1990s and 2000s when the NLD had to make decisions in her absence,” said Moe Zaw Oo, who once served as an aide to her. “Later, when she was out, she respected those decisions and understood that decisions had to be made under certain circumstances. So, this time again, I believe she will accept what the remaining NLD leaders had to do.” But Thinzar Shunlei Yi, a 30-year-old rights activist in Myanmar, said the revolution did not need Suu Kyi anymore because she “has done her part.” “We want to draft a new script for our country because the time has come,” she said. “Now this is the time for the younger generations and the ethnic leaders to take the leadership positions. Because the country is not just about one person. It’s about everyone.” Khin Zaw Win, director of the Tampadipa Institute, a policy advocacy organization based in Yangon, Myanmar’s most populous city, said none of the measures promised by the National Unity Government would have happened under “the shadow of Aung San Suu Kyi.” He pointed out that she did not plan for a successor or bring new blood into the National League of Democracy, which he said was run like an “exclusive” club. Instead, she surrounded herself with advisers in their 70s and 80s. “Every day, day by day, Aung San Suu Kyi has less and less to do with the revolution,” said Khin Zaw Win. “The show can go on without her. It’s better for the show to go on without her.”

Suu Kyi falls, but Myanmar’s democratic hopes move on

Myanmar military junta chief reduced deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi's jail term by two years, said state&nbsp;media. The former state cousellor of Myanmar was sentenced to four years in jail on Monday (December 6). She faced charges of corruption, flouting Covid rules and more.

Suu Kyi and former president Win Myint had their sentences for incitement against the military and flouting coronavirus rules "pardoned to two years", from four by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, state TV said.

Suu Kyi's government was toppled by military junta in a coup on February 1. The military used force to quell the subsequent protests that rocked the nation.

Suu Kyi's sentencing drew global condemnation. United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-deplores-suu-kyi-conviction-calls-trial-a-sham-434574">called trial of Aung San Suu Kyi a 'sham'</a>

The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb. 1, and "will only deepen rejection of the coup", Bachelet said in a statement issued by her Geneva office.

“The conviction of the State Counsellor following a sham trial in secretive proceedings before a military-controlled court is nothing but politically-motivated,” Bachelet added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-deplores-suu-kyi-conviction-calls-trial-a-sham-434574">UN deplores Suu Kyi conviction, calls trial a 'sham'</a>

Suu Kyi was handed the jail term for incitement against the military.

"This is an example of the harshness and the viciousness of the military," said&nbsp;spokesperson of Amnesty, the global human rights watchdog.

The US condemned Suu Kyi's sentence. It slammed the sentencing as an 'affront' to justice.

"We urge the regime to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all those unjustly detained, including other democratically elected officials," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

The European Union was unhappy over Suu Kyi's sentencing as well.

"The European Union strongly condemns this politically motivated verdict, which constitutes another major setback for democracy in Myanmar since the military coup on 1 February 2021,” said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in a statement.

Aung San Suu Kyi is a Nobel laureate. The Nobel Committee has expressed concern as well.

"The Nobel Committee is concerned about what this means for the future of democracy in Myanmar. It is also concerned about the impact a long prison term may have on Aung San Suu Kyi personally," committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen told AFP in an email.

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar military junta chief reduced deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi's jail term by two years, said state media. The former state cousellor of Myanmar was sentenced to four years in jail on Monday (December 6).

Myanmar military junta chief reduced deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi's jail term by two years, said state media. The former state cousellor of Myanmar was sentenced to four years in jail on Monday (December 6). She faced charges of corruption, flouting Covid rules and more. Suu Kyi and former president Win Myint had their sentences for incitement against the military and flouting coronavirus rules "pardoned to two years", from four by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, state TV said. Suu Kyi's government was toppled by military junta in a coup on February 1. The military used force to quell the subsequent protests that rocked the nation. Suu Kyi's sentencing drew global condemnation. United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called trial of Aung San Suu Kyi a 'sham' The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb. 1, and "will only deepen rejection of the coup", Bachelet said in a statement issued by her Geneva office. “The conviction of the State Counsellor following a sham trial in secretive proceedings before a military-controlled court is nothing but politically-motivated,” Bachelet added. Also Read | UN deplores Suu Kyi conviction, calls trial a 'sham' Suu Kyi was handed the jail term for incitement against the military. "This is an example of the harshness and the viciousness of the military," said spokesperson of Amnesty, the global human rights watchdog. The US condemned Suu Kyi's sentence. It slammed the sentencing as an 'affront' to justice. "We urge the regime to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all those unjustly detained, including other democratically elected officials," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. The European Union was unhappy over Suu Kyi's sentencing as well. "The European Union strongly condemns this politically motivated verdict, which constitutes another major setback for democracy in Myanmar since the military coup on 1 February 2021,” said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in a statement. Aung San Suu Kyi is a Nobel laureate. The Nobel Committee has expressed concern as well. "The Nobel Committee is concerned about what this means for the future of democracy in Myanmar. It is also concerned about the impact a long prison term may have on Aung San Suu Kyi personally," committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen told AFP in an email. (With inputs from agencies)

Aung San Suu Kyi's jail term reduced by two years: Reports

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi received a four-year jail term on charges of incitement and violations of a law on natural disasters.

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi sentenced to four years in prison

United Nations on Monday deplored conviction of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for immediate release of Suu Kyi and called trial that convicted her a 'sham trial'

The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb. 1, and "will only deepen rejection of the coup", Bachelet said in a statement issued by her Geneva office.

“The conviction of the State Counsellor following a sham trial in secretive proceedings before a military-controlled court is nothing but politically-motivated,” Bachelet added.

Aung San Suu Kyi, former State Counsellor of Myanmar was deposed by country's military in a coup on February 1 this year. The military did not budge and used force to quell nationwide protests that opposed the military rule.

On Monday, Suu Kyi was handed four-year jail term by the court. She&nbsp;had been accused of fomenting unrest against the military and violating Covid rules. She has also been accused by military of corruption.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-aung-san-suu-kyi-jailed-for-four-years-for-inciting-dissent-against-military-434482">Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi jailed for four years for inciting dissent against military</a>

The military has not given details of where Suu Kyi has been detained and it was not immediately clear if the sentencing would mean any immediate change in her circumstances.

The trial in the capital, Naypyitaw, has been closed to the media and the junta's public information outlets have not mentioned the proceedings. Suu Kyi's lawyers have been barred from communicating with the media and public.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations on Monday deplored conviction of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for immediate release of Suu Kyi and called trial that convicted her a 'sham trial' The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb.

United Nations on Monday deplored conviction of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for immediate release of Suu Kyi and called trial that convicted her a 'sham trial' The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb. 1, and "will only deepen rejection of the coup", Bachelet said in a statement issued by her Geneva office. “The conviction of the State Counsellor following a sham trial in secretive proceedings before a military-controlled court is nothing but politically-motivated,” Bachelet added. Aung San Suu Kyi, former State Counsellor of Myanmar was deposed by country's military in a coup on February 1 this year. The military did not budge and used force to quell nationwide protests that opposed the military rule. On Monday, Suu Kyi was handed four-year jail term by the court. She had been accused of fomenting unrest against the military and violating Covid rules. She has also been accused by military of corruption. Also Read | Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi jailed for four years for inciting dissent against military The military has not given details of where Suu Kyi has been detained and it was not immediately clear if the sentencing would mean any immediate change in her circumstances. The trial in the capital, Naypyitaw, has been closed to the media and the junta's public information outlets have not mentioned the proceedings. Suu Kyi's lawyers have been barred from communicating with the media and public. (With inputs from agencies)

UN deplores Suu Kyi conviction, calls trial a 'sham'

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the Myanmar junta that seized power Feb. 1, has long been Aung San Suu Kyi’s adversary.

For five years, the two leaders were part of an uneasy power-sharing arrangement in which she headed the civilian side of government and Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the army commander in chief, maintained absolute control over the military, the police and the border guards.

The two rarely spoke to each other.

Min Aung Hlaing is known to be highly ambitious and unwilling to give up power. He faced mandatory retirement in 2016 when he turned 60 but extended his tenure for five years. Soon after the coup, and just before he turned 65, he scrapped the mandatory retirement age for the commander in chief altogether. Many believed he wanted to become president.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-aung-san-suu-kyi-jailed-for-four-years-for-inciting-dissent-against-military-434482">Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi jailed for four years for inciting dissent against military</a>

While a cadet at the military academy, he was known for bullying his juniors and for his tendency to criticize and blame others. His contemporaries gave him a nickname meaning cat feces, an especially vulgar epithet in Burmese.

In 2009, the troops he led in northeastern Myanmar drove tens of thousands of people from ethnic enclaves in what locals described as a brutal campaign of murder, rape and systematic arson.

As commander in chief, he oversaw the ethnic cleansing of Muslim Rohingya in 2017 that killed thousands and forced more than 700,000 to flee the country. He is said to be a tough negotiator who has maintained a strong grip on the armed forces.

In 2008, the previous military regime adopted a constitution that was devised to keep the presidency in the hands of military leaders. It gives the army commander in chief the power to appoint 25% of Parliament and gives Parliament the power to choose the president.

It also barred anyone from becoming president who has a spouse or a child who is a citizen of a foreign country. The provision clearly targeted Aung San Suu Kyi: her husband was a British citizen, as are her two sons.

But that hasn’t been enough of a head start for the hugely unpopular Min Aung Hlaing to win. Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy crushed the military-backed party in 2015 by winning 80% of Parliament’s nonappointed seats. In 2020, she repeated the feat, winning by an even greater margin.

Thwarted at the polls, the general declared her election victory to be fraudulent and led a coup on Feb. 1, hours before the new Parliament was scheduled to be sworn in.

Early that morning, soldiers and the police arrested Aung San Suu Kyi and other party leaders. She has been detained ever since.

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the Myanmar junta that seized power Feb. 1, has long been Aung San Suu Kyi’s adversary. For five years, the two leaders were part of an uneasy power-sharing arrangement in which she headed the civilian side of government and Gen.

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the Myanmar junta that seized power Feb. 1, has long been Aung San Suu Kyi’s adversary. For five years, the two leaders were part of an uneasy power-sharing arrangement in which she headed the civilian side of government and Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the army commander in chief, maintained absolute control over the military, the police and the border guards. The two rarely spoke to each other. Min Aung Hlaing is known to be highly ambitious and unwilling to give up power. He faced mandatory retirement in 2016 when he turned 60 but extended his tenure for five years. Soon after the coup, and just before he turned 65, he scrapped the mandatory retirement age for the commander in chief altogether. Many believed he wanted to become president. ALSO READ | Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi jailed for four years for inciting dissent against military While a cadet at the military academy, he was known for bullying his juniors and for his tendency to criticize and blame others. His contemporaries gave him a nickname meaning cat feces, an especially vulgar epithet in Burmese. In 2009, the troops he led in northeastern Myanmar drove tens of thousands of people from ethnic enclaves in what locals described as a brutal campaign of murder, rape and systematic arson. As commander in chief, he oversaw the ethnic cleansing of Muslim Rohingya in 2017 that killed thousands and forced more than 700,000 to flee the country. He is said to be a tough negotiator who has maintained a strong grip on the armed forces. In 2008, the previous military regime adopted a constitution that was devised to keep the presidency in the hands of military leaders. It gives the army commander in chief the power to appoint 25% of Parliament and gives Parliament the power to choose the president. It also barred anyone from becoming president who has a spouse or a child who is a citizen of a foreign country. The provision clearly targeted Aung San Suu Kyi: her husband was a British citizen, as are her two sons. But that hasn’t been enough of a head start for the hugely unpopular Min Aung Hlaing to win. Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy crushed the military-backed party in 2015 by winning 80% of Parliament’s nonappointed seats. In 2020, she repeated the feat, winning by an even greater margin. Thwarted at the polls, the general declared her election victory to be fraudulent and led a coup on Feb. 1, hours before the new Parliament was scheduled to be sworn in. Early that morning, soldiers and the police arrested Aung San Suu Kyi and other party leaders. She has been detained ever since.

General behind Myanmar Coup is Aung San Suu Kyi's longtime rival

At least 5 people were killed after a military truck drove into a crowd of protesters in Myanmar's Yangon. The peaceful rally was then violently dispersed, reveals a journalist and several eyewitnesses.

Speaking with AFP on the condition of anonymity, the journalist said, "They increased the speed when they got closer to the protesters, it was like they drove into them."

He further revealed that a few people, who were carrying banners in support of Aung San Suu Kyi, were hit and dragged to the ground. Following this, various protestors even fled.&nbsp;

The soldiers soon started firing at the crowd, he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-and-myanmar-junta-denied-seats-by-the-un-for-the-time-being-433515">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban and Myanmar junta denied seats by the UN for the time being</a>

Various witnesses have claimed that the protests ended a few minutes after it was started. A protestor while speaking to Reuters said, "I got hit and fell down in front of a truck. A soldier beat me with his rifle but I defended and pushed him back. Then he immediately shot at me as I ran away in a zigzag pattern. Fortunately, I escaped."

While the United Nations has claimed that this incident would amount to the crimes&nbsp;against humanity, Myanmar's MRTV news reported that security forces "took action" on the protesters. Also, there was no mention of soldiers using a vehicle to disperse them.&nbsp;

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the month of February. This has triggered nationwide protests. Over 1,300 people have been killed so far for protesting against the army.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 5 people were killed after a military truck drove into a crowd of protesters in Myanmar's Yangon. The peaceful rally was then violently dispersed, reveals a journalist and several eyewitnesses.

At least 5 people were killed after a military truck drove into a crowd of protesters in Myanmar's Yangon. The peaceful rally was then violently dispersed, reveals a journalist and several eyewitnesses. Speaking with AFP on the condition of anonymity, the journalist said, "They increased the speed when they got closer to the protesters, it was like they drove into them." He further revealed that a few people, who were carrying banners in support of Aung San Suu Kyi, were hit and dragged to the ground. Following this, various protestors even fled. The soldiers soon started firing at the crowd, he said. Also read | Taliban and Myanmar junta denied seats by the UN for the time being Various witnesses have claimed that the protests ended a few minutes after it was started. A protestor while speaking to Reuters said, "I got hit and fell down in front of a truck. A soldier beat me with his rifle but I defended and pushed him back. Then he immediately shot at me as I ran away in a zigzag pattern. Fortunately, I escaped." While the United Nations has claimed that this incident would amount to the crimes against humanity, Myanmar's MRTV news reported that security forces "took action" on the protesters. Also, there was no mention of soldiers using a vehicle to disperse them. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the month of February. This has triggered nationwide protests. Over 1,300 people have been killed so far for protesting against the army. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar: At least 5 dead after military truck drives into protesters

A UN committee on Wednesday has put off the decision on who will represent Afghanistan and Myanmar at the United Nations, said the panel's chair, meaning the Afghan Taliban and Myanmar junta will not be allowed into the world body for now.

Taliban, Myanmar Junta denied UN seat

The United Nations Accreditation Committee has denied the chosen representatives of Afghanistan and Myanmar at the world body. The committee responsible for approving nominations of ambassadors met Wednesday but deferred a decision over rival claims to the seats for both countries.

UN Committee denies Taliban & Myanmar Military Junta's seats the world body

The United Nations has for the time being put off the decision on who will represent Afghanistan and Myanmar. As per diplomats, the nine-nations committee responsible for approving nominations met on Wednesday.

The United Nations has for the time being put off the decision on who will represent Afghanistan and Myanmar. As per diplomats, the nine-nations committee responsible for approving nominations met on Wednesday. Several member nations slammed the Taliban and Junta for their repressive actions. The absence of recognition hampers a government’s ability to receive foreign aid. It is also essential for its citizens to travel abroad and much more. Both governments have condemned the move by the UN. Myanmar junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun while speaking to AFP said, "This decision does not reflect the reality on the ground and existence of our country." "We will continue submitting (to the UN) as usual according to diplomatic procedure and the right to representation in accordance with international and local laws," he added. Also read | Taliban should first seek internal legitimacy to receive international recognition: Ex-Afghan president Karzai Recognition by the UN is essential for both countries. Without recognition, the Taliban won’t be able to enter into treaties with other states. Meanwhile, ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the country has been struggling to battle poverty. There is also a threat of a “looming humanitarian crisis” in the country. In September, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban. During a news conference, IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice told reporters, "Our engagement with Afghanistan has been suspended until there is clarity within the international community on the recognition of the government". (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban and Myanmar junta denied seats by the UN for the time being

The United Nations is due to decide on the ambassadors nominated by the Taliban in Afghanistan and military hunter in Myanmar as both are seeking greater international recognition.

United Nations to decide on Myanmar and Afghanistan representation

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi will hear a high stakes verdict on Tuesday. A military junta court will announce the verdict in an indictment case. This is the first major trial since Suu Kyi was ousted in February 2021. It could land the Nobel laureate in jail for several years.

What are the charges against Suu Kyi?

Suu Kyi faces three years in jail if found guilty of incitement against the military. The trial can effectively remove Myanmar’s democratically elected icon from the political arena for good. The ousted leader faces 11 criminal charges. The maximum prison sentence is more than a century. Other charges include possessing unlicensed walkie-talkies, violating COVID-19 restrictions during elections in 2020, violation of official secrets act, corruption and election fraud.

Who conducted the trial?

The closed door trial was conducted by Myanmar’s military. The military is led by Chief General Min Aung Hlaing. The special court appointed by the military bars journalists from covering the proceedings. Suu Kyi’s lawyers have been banned from speaking to the media.

What happened in February 2021?

Myanmar’s military staged a coup against the democratically elected government. Aung San Suu Kyi was detained along with other top leaders of her party. Military accused Suu Kyi of election fraud, and power was handed over to Min Aung Hlaing.&nbsp;

The generals swung into action hours before the parliament was due to sit for the first time after the election of National League for Democracy government. Suu Kyi called upon people to take to streets against the military takeover. Phone and internet connection in the capital Naypyidaw and parts of Yangon were disrupted. Television went off-air. Min Aung Hlaing promised a fair and free election and a peaceful transition of power to the winning party. However, he did not give a timeline. Western nations condemned the turn of events.

What happened after the military coup?

Millions of people across the country took to the streets. They demanded their democratically elected leader Suu Kyi to be reinstated. The military handled the protests with an iron fist. According to a local monitoring group, more than 1,200 people have been killed. More than 10,000 people have been arrested. There has been a systematic crackdown on dissent ever since the coup took place.

Where is Aung San Suu Kyi?

The military regime has confined Suu Kyi to an undisclosed location in the capital. She has been allowed to keep a small staff. She has limited links with the outside world. Last month, Suu Kyi’s legal team said that hectic court proceedings were taking a toll on her health.

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi will hear a high stakes verdict on Tuesday. A military junta court will announce the verdict in an indictment case. This is the first major trial since Suu Kyi was ousted in February 2021.

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi will hear a high stakes verdict on Tuesday. A military junta court will announce the verdict in an indictment case. This is the first major trial since Suu Kyi was ousted in February 2021. It could land the Nobel laureate in jail for several years. What are the charges against Suu Kyi? Suu Kyi faces three years in jail if found guilty of incitement against the military. The trial can effectively remove Myanmar’s democratically elected icon from the political arena for good. The ousted leader faces 11 criminal charges. The maximum prison sentence is more than a century. Other charges include possessing unlicensed walkie-talkies, violating COVID-19 restrictions during elections in 2020, violation of official secrets act, corruption and election fraud. Who conducted the trial? The closed door trial was conducted by Myanmar’s military. The military is led by Chief General Min Aung Hlaing. The special court appointed by the military bars journalists from covering the proceedings. Suu Kyi’s lawyers have been banned from speaking to the media. What happened in February 2021? Myanmar’s military staged a coup against the democratically elected government. Aung San Suu Kyi was detained along with other top leaders of her party. Military accused Suu Kyi of election fraud, and power was handed over to Min Aung Hlaing. The generals swung into action hours before the parliament was due to sit for the first time after the election of National League for Democracy government. Suu Kyi called upon people to take to streets against the military takeover. Phone and internet connection in the capital Naypyidaw and parts of Yangon were disrupted. Television went off-air. Min Aung Hlaing promised a fair and free election and a peaceful transition of power to the winning party. However, he did not give a timeline. Western nations condemned the turn of events. What happened after the military coup? Millions of people across the country took to the streets. They demanded their democratically elected leader Suu Kyi to be reinstated. The military handled the protests with an iron fist. According to a local monitoring group, more than 1,200 people have been killed. More than 10,000 people have been arrested. There has been a systematic crackdown on dissent ever since the coup took place. Where is Aung San Suu Kyi? The military regime has confined Suu Kyi to an undisclosed location in the capital. She has been allowed to keep a small staff. She has limited links with the outside world. Last month, Suu Kyi’s legal team said that hectic court proceedings were taking a toll on her health.

Aung San Suu Kyi braces for verdict in junta trial

Ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to hear the verdict in her incitement trial on Tuesday, the first in a catalogue of judgements to be handed down in a junta court that could jail her for decades. The Nobel laureate has been detained since the generals ousted her government in the early hours of 1 February, ending the Southeast Asian country's brief democratic interlude.

Ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi expected to hear verdict in incitement trial

At least 15 people were drowned in Myanmar while crossing a flooded causeway to reach a Buddhist temple (Pagoda). The tragedy took place on Sunday (November 21).&nbsp;

Thousands of worshippers were trying to reach the Kyeik Hne pagoda which lies on a rocky outcrop around three kilometres off the coast. near the town of Thanbyuzayat. The pagoda is located in southern Mon state

"We normally allow the people to come at 6:30 am but they would not listen to us and started trying to walk across too early," local official Nai Sahai Eain told AFP.

Local officials said some died when they tried to cross the poorly marked causeway, which is only around four metres wide, while the tide was too high.

"We normally allow the people to come at 6:30 am but they would not listen to us and started trying to walk across too early," local official Nai Sahai Eain told AFP.

More faithful were drowned as they got jostled by the crowd into the sea. &nbsp;

Ko Kyaw Thu, an emergency responder from Thanbyuzayat, told AFP that 15 bodies had been taken to hospital and three people were still missing.

Local resident Nai Wona told AFP the causeway was not marked out clearly enough, making it hard to navigate.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 15 people were drowned in Myanmar while crossing a flooded causeway to reach a Buddhist temple (Pagoda). The tragedy took place on Sunday (November 21).

At least 15 people were drowned in Myanmar while crossing a flooded causeway to reach a Buddhist temple (Pagoda). The tragedy took place on Sunday (November 21). Thousands of worshippers were trying to reach the Kyeik Hne pagoda which lies on a rocky outcrop around three kilometres off the coast. near the town of Thanbyuzayat. The pagoda is located in southern Mon state "We normally allow the people to come at 6:30 am but they would not listen to us and started trying to walk across too early," local official Nai Sahai Eain told AFP. Local officials said some died when they tried to cross the poorly marked causeway, which is only around four metres wide, while the tide was too high. "We normally allow the people to come at 6:30 am but they would not listen to us and started trying to walk across too early," local official Nai Sahai Eain told AFP. More faithful were drowned as they got jostled by the crowd into the sea. Ko Kyaw Thu, an emergency responder from Thanbyuzayat, told AFP that 15 bodies had been taken to hospital and three people were still missing. Local resident Nai Wona told AFP the causeway was not marked out clearly enough, making it hard to navigate. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 15 dead in Myanmar pagoda drowning

Myanmar's ruling junta has charged ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi with electoral fraud during the 2020 elections, state media reported Tuesday. Since a military coup in February, the country has been in turmoil with nationwide protests and a deadly crackdown on dissent.

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi accused of 'election fraud and lawless actions'

Myanmar military junta said on Monday that US journalist Danny Fenster was 'pardoned' on 'humanitarian grounds'. Fenster's release has&nbsp;come just three days after he was sentenced to 11 years in jail. He faced charges for incitement and breaches of immigration and terrorism laws. Soon after he was released from prison, he boarded a flight to the US.

"Great news. I heard @DannyFenster is out," Sonny Swe, the publisher of Frontier Myanmar, Fenster's employer, tweeted earlier.

Photos released by military junta's information team showed Fenster, flanked by two Myanmar military officials, signing a document in capital Naypyidaw.

Fenster's family released a statement and said that they were 'overjoyed'.

Fenster, 37, is managing editor of online magazine Frontier Myanmar and was arrested in May while trying to leave Myanmar, a country in chaos since a Feb. 1 military coup.

The United States welcomed his release, saying he had been "wrongfully detained."

"We are glad that Danny will soon be reunited with his family as we continue to call for the release of others who remain unjustly imprisoned in Burma," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, using Myanmar's former name.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-journalist-danny-fenster-detained-in-myanmar-now-jailed-for-11-years-428652">US journalist Danny Fenster, detained in Myanmar, now jailed for 11 years</a>

He was the first Western journalist sentenced to prison in recent years in Myanmar, where the coup against the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi ended a decade of tentative steps towards democracy and triggered nationwide protests.

The military has arrested dozens of journalists among thousands detained after protests erupted nationwide.

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar military junta said on Monday that US journalist Danny Fenster was 'pardoned' on 'humanitarian grounds'. Fenster's release has come just three days after he was sentenced to 11 years in jail.

Myanmar military junta said on Monday that US journalist Danny Fenster was 'pardoned' on 'humanitarian grounds'. Fenster's release has come just three days after he was sentenced to 11 years in jail. He faced charges for incitement and breaches of immigration and terrorism laws. Soon after he was released from prison, he boarded a flight to the US. "Great news. I heard @DannyFenster is out," Sonny Swe, the publisher of Frontier Myanmar, Fenster's employer, tweeted earlier. Photos released by military junta's information team showed Fenster, flanked by two Myanmar military officials, signing a document in capital Naypyidaw. Fenster's family released a statement and said that they were 'overjoyed'. Fenster, 37, is managing editor of online magazine Frontier Myanmar and was arrested in May while trying to leave Myanmar, a country in chaos since a Feb. 1 military coup. The United States welcomed his release, saying he had been "wrongfully detained." "We are glad that Danny will soon be reunited with his family as we continue to call for the release of others who remain unjustly imprisoned in Burma," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, using Myanmar's former name. Also Read | US journalist Danny Fenster, detained in Myanmar, now jailed for 11 years He was the first Western journalist sentenced to prison in recent years in Myanmar, where the coup against the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi ended a decade of tentative steps towards democracy and triggered nationwide protests. The military has arrested dozens of journalists among thousands detained after protests erupted nationwide. (With inputs from agencies)

Jailed US journalist Danny Fenster pardoned in Myanmar, sent home

An American journalist detained in Myanmar since May has now been sentenced to 11 years in prison. Danny Fenster was working as the managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, the 37-year-old was detained when he tried to leave Myanmar to head back home to see his family.

Myanmar: American Journalist Danny Fenster sentenced to 11 years imprisonment

Danny Fenster, an American journalist who was detained in Myanmar since May, has now been sentenced to 11 years in prison. His charges include unlawful association, incitement against the military and breaching visa rules.

Danny Fenster, an American journalist who was detained in Myanmar since May, has now been sentenced to 11 years in prison. His charges include unlawful association, incitement against the military and breaching visa rules. Recently, Fenster was hit with new criminal charges. The 37-year old journalist has been denied bail and held in a prison in Yangon. "Frontier Myanmar is deeply disappointed at the decision today to convict its Managing Editor, Danny Fenster, on three charges and impose prison sentences totalling 11 years," the outlet said in a statement. "Everyone at Frontier is disappointed and frustrated at this decision. We just want to see Danny released as soon as possible so he can go home to his family." Also read | US journalist held in Myanmar charged with terrorism, sedition Crisis Group Myanmar senior advisor Richard Horsey has described this as "outrageous." While speaking to AFP, he said, "It sends a message not only to international journalists... but also Myanmar journalists that reporting factually on the situation is liable to get them many many years in prison." Fenster was arrested at the airport when he was trying to leave the country to see his family, living in the US. The US had urged Myanmar to immediately free the journalist after he was hit with the charges. Fenster happens to be one of the 100 journalists who have been detained since the military seized power. (With inputs from agencies)

US journalist Danny Fenster, detained in Myanmar, now jailed for 11 years

An American journalist jailed in Myanmar for more than five months has been served with two new criminal charges. Danny Fenster was detained at Yangon international airport in May.

US journalist Danny Fenster faces new charges in Myanmar

A Myanmar junta court will give its verdict next month on whether ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi broke coronavirus rules during elections her party won last year, a source said Tuesday.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military's February coup, which sparked huge protests and a bloody crackdown on dissent.

Suu Kyi, 76, went on trial in June, and faces a raft of charges, including illegally importing walkie-talkies, corruption and sedition.

Media have been barred from attending proceedings at the special court in the military-built capital Naypyidaw, and the junta recently banned Suu Kyi's legal team from speaking to reporters.

On Tuesday, she appeared at the latest hearing in the trial for allegedly flouting coronavirus rules during the 2020 elections, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

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She would testify in her defence next week, the source said, adding a "final order pronouncing the verdict of the court" was set for December 14.

Suu Kyi faces three years in jail if found guilty.

The junta court will also hear closing arguments in a separate trial for incitement next week&nbsp;as it begins to wrap up proceedings that could see the Nobel laureate jailed for decades.

The military has alleged that the 2020 elections, which Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won by a landslide&nbsp;trouncing a military-backed party&nbsp;were beset with fraud.

The junta has threatened to dissolve the NLD and continues to wage a bloody campaign against opponents to its rule.

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A junta court in eastern Karen state on Tuesday sentenced former NLD lawmaker and chief minister Nan Khin Htwe Myint to 75 years in prison with hard labour for corruption, her lawyer told AFP.

She had no plan to appeal, Aung Thein said following the trial inside a prison in state capital Hpa-an.

Last month, Win Htein, a former NLD parliamentarian and close Suu Kyi aide, was handed 20 years in jail for treason, the first high-ranking member of the party to be jailed by a junta court.

A Myanmar junta court will give its verdict next month on whether ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi broke coronavirus rules during elections her party won last year, a source said Tuesday.

A Myanmar junta court will give its verdict next month on whether ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi broke coronavirus rules during elections her party won last year, a source said Tuesday. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military's February coup, which sparked huge protests and a bloody crackdown on dissent. Suu Kyi, 76, went on trial in June, and faces a raft of charges, including illegally importing walkie-talkies, corruption and sedition. Media have been barred from attending proceedings at the special court in the military-built capital Naypyidaw, and the junta recently banned Suu Kyi's legal team from speaking to reporters. On Tuesday, she appeared at the latest hearing in the trial for allegedly flouting coronavirus rules during the 2020 elections, a source with knowledge of the matter said. Also read | Pakistan and local Taliban militants on road of peace; agree for one-month ceasefire She would testify in her defence next week, the source said, adding a "final order pronouncing the verdict of the court" was set for December 14. Suu Kyi faces three years in jail if found guilty. The junta court will also hear closing arguments in a separate trial for incitement next week as it begins to wrap up proceedings that could see the Nobel laureate jailed for decades. The military has alleged that the 2020 elections, which Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won by a landslide trouncing a military-backed party were beset with fraud. The junta has threatened to dissolve the NLD and continues to wage a bloody campaign against opponents to its rule. Also read | Pakistan: 14 Arab royals given permit to hunt endangered Houbara bustard A junta court in eastern Karen state on Tuesday sentenced former NLD lawmaker and chief minister Nan Khin Htwe Myint to 75 years in prison with hard labour for corruption, her lawyer told AFP. She had no plan to appeal, Aung Thein said following the trial inside a prison in state capital Hpa-an. Last month, Win Htein, a former NLD parliamentarian and close Suu Kyi aide, was handed 20 years in jail for treason, the first high-ranking member of the party to be jailed by a junta court.

Verdict next month in Covid rules trial of Myanmar's Suu Kyi, reveals source

An American journalist detained for months by&nbsp;Myanmar's junta has been denied bail and hit with a third criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Thursday, drawing condemnation from Washington.

Danny Fenster, managing editor of Frontier&nbsp;Myanmar, was held in May as he attempted to leave the country.

He is on trial for allegedly encouraging dissent against the military and unlawful association, and faces six years in jail if convicted on both counts.

At his latest hearing inside Yangon's Insein prison on Wednesday, "he was told another charge was added" for allegedly breaching immigration law, his lawyer Than Zaw Aung told AFP.

The charge carries a maximum of five years in jail and the trial was expected to begin on Friday, he said.

"We do not know the exact reason for adding (the) immigration charge," he said, adding Fenster's visa was still valid when he was detained.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Ned Price called Fenster's detention "a sad reminder of the continuing human rights and humanitarian crisis facing the country."

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"The profoundly unjust nature of Danny's detention is plain for all the world to see and these charges only put a further spotlight on that," Price told reporters.

"We're continuing to press the Burmese regime to release Danny immediately," he said, using&nbsp;Myanmar's former name of&nbsp;Burma.

The new charge comes a day after former US diplomat and hostage negotiator Bill Richardson met junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in the capital Naypyidaw, handing the increasingly isolated junta some rare publicity.

Both the State Department and Richardson's organisation said he was on a private mission.&nbsp;

Concluding the trip, the former governor of New Mexico said in a statement he had secured the release of another prisoner, Aye Moe, who used to work for the Richardson Center on women's empowerment.

Richardson said he was looking to arrange the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines through the international Covax alliance.

"I think it will open the door to the resumption of childhood immunisations and other critical health interventions. UN agencies will be key to finalising a deal," Richardson said.

Richardson has previously negotiated the release of prisoners and US servicemen in North Korea, Cuba, Iraq and Sudan and has recently sought to free US-affiliated inmates in Venezuela.

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Fenster, 37, "is in good health physically but he's upset because of increased charges", Than Zaw Aung said.

He is believed to have contracted Covid-19 during his detention, family members said during a conference call with American journalists in August.

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in turmoil since the military seized power in a February 1 coup and ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government.

More than 1,200 people have been killed by security forces in a crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group.

The press has also been squeezed as the junta tries to tighten control over the flow of information, throttling internet access and revoking the licences of local media outlets.

An American journalist detained for months by Myanmar's junta has been denied bail and hit with a third criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Thursday, drawing condemnation from Washington.

An American journalist detained for months by Myanmar's junta has been denied bail and hit with a third criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Thursday, drawing condemnation from Washington. Danny Fenster, managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, was held in May as he attempted to leave the country. He is on trial for allegedly encouraging dissent against the military and unlawful association, and faces six years in jail if convicted on both counts. At his latest hearing inside Yangon's Insein prison on Wednesday, "he was told another charge was added" for allegedly breaching immigration law, his lawyer Than Zaw Aung told AFP. The charge carries a maximum of five years in jail and the trial was expected to begin on Friday, he said. "We do not know the exact reason for adding (the) immigration charge," he said, adding Fenster's visa was still valid when he was detained. In Washington, State Department spokesman Ned Price called Fenster's detention "a sad reminder of the continuing human rights and humanitarian crisis facing the country." Also read | French bishops say church bore 'institutional responsibility' for child abuse "The profoundly unjust nature of Danny's detention is plain for all the world to see and these charges only put a further spotlight on that," Price told reporters. "We're continuing to press the Burmese regime to release Danny immediately," he said, using Myanmar's former name of Burma. The new charge comes a day after former US diplomat and hostage negotiator Bill Richardson met junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in the capital Naypyidaw, handing the increasingly isolated junta some rare publicity. Both the State Department and Richardson's organisation said he was on a private mission. Concluding the trip, the former governor of New Mexico said in a statement he had secured the release of another prisoner, Aye Moe, who used to work for the Richardson Center on women's empowerment. Richardson said he was looking to arrange the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines through the international Covax alliance. "I think it will open the door to the resumption of childhood immunisations and other critical health interventions. UN agencies will be key to finalising a deal," Richardson said. Richardson has previously negotiated the release of prisoners and US servicemen in North Korea, Cuba, Iraq and Sudan and has recently sought to free US-affiliated inmates in Venezuela. Also read | Greta Thunberg calls COP26 climate summit 'a failure' Fenster, 37, "is in good health physically but he's upset because of increased charges", Than Zaw Aung said. He is believed to have contracted Covid-19 during his detention, family members said during a conference call with American journalists in August. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in a February 1 coup and ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. More than 1,200 people have been killed by security forces in a crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group. The press has also been squeezed as the junta tries to tighten control over the flow of information, throttling internet access and revoking the licences of local media outlets.

US journalist detained in Myanmar hit with third charge, says lawyer

As Myanmar's military seeks to put down protest on the streets, a parallel battle is playing out on social media, with the junta using fake accounts to denounce opponents and press its message that it seized power to save the nation from election fraud, eight people with knowledge of the tactics said.

The army, which was banned by the country's dominant online platform Facebook after the February&nbsp;1 coup, has tasked thousands of soldiers with conducting what is widely referred to in the military as "information combat", according to the people, who include four military sources.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-leader-suu-kyi-testifies-before-junta-court-424249">Myanmar leader Suu Kyi testifies before junta court</a>

The mission of the social media drive, part of the military's broader propaganda operations, is to spread the junta's view among the population, as well as to monitor dissenters and attack them online as traitors, the people told Reuters.

"Soldiers are asked to create several fake accounts and are given content segments and talking points that they have to post," said Captain Nyi Thuta, who defected from the army to join rebel forces at the end of February. "They also monitor activity online and join (anti-coup) online groups to track them."&nbsp;

The 31-year-old said he was part of the army's propaganda operations until his defection, writing speeches for military chief Min Aung Hlaing.

A spokesperson for the military government did not respond to repeated requests for comment on its social media tactics. In September, a junta spokesperson on army-owned Myawaddy TV accused media groups and opposition activists of spreading "fake news" about the situation in Myanmar.

The eight people with knowledge of the social media drive all asked to remain anonymous, citing fears of retaliation, with the exception of Nyi Thuta and Captain Lin Htet Aung, who defected from the army in April.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-concerned-over-myanmar-army-operations-in-chin-state-town-ablaze-425882">US concerned over Myanmar army operations in Chin state, town ablaze</a>

The military, known as the Tatmadaw, is pushing its campaign online even as it puts down protests on the streets, nine months after it ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, saying her National League for Democracy had fraudulently won the November 2020 vote. International election watchdogs said in a May report that the vote was fair.

A Reuters review of thousands of social media posts in 2021 found that about 200 military personnel, using their personal accounts on platforms including Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter and Telegram, regularly posted messages or videos alleging fraud at the election and denouncing anti-coup protesters as traitors.

In over 100 cases, the messages or videos were duplicated across dozens of copycat accounts within minutes, as well as on online groups, purported fan channels for Myanmar celebrities and sports teams and purported news outlets, data from Facebook-owned online tracking tool Crowdtangle showed.&nbsp;

Posts often referred to people who opposed the junta as "enemies of the state" and "terrorists", and variously said they wanted to destroy the army, the country and the Buddhist religion.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-us-diplomat-and-hostage-negotiator-on-visit-to-myanmar-426044">Former US diplomat and hostage negotiator on visit to Myanmar</a>

Many opposition activists are using some similar methods, creating duplicate accounts to fill "Twitter teams" with hundreds of thousands of members and making anti-junta hashtags trend, according to the review and four activist sources.

While such tactics are common worldwide, they can be particularly influential in Myanmar, according to four researchers interviewed by Reuters who said the population receives most of its information via social media rather than directly from established news outlets, and Facebook is regularly used by over half the population.

'Aggressively Removed'

The Tatmadaw has killed more than 1,000 civilians and jailed thousands since the coup, according to the United Nations, though the army says these estimates are exaggerated and that soldiers have also been killed by rebel forces.

Rafael Frankel, Facebook's director of public policy in emerging countries, Asia Pacific, told Reuters the company "proactively" detected almost 98 per cent of the hate speech removed from its platform in Myanmar.

"Our ban of the Tatmadaw and repeated disruption of coordinated inauthentic behavior has made it harder for people to misuse our services to cause harm," he added, responding to questions on the army's continued use of fake accounts.

"This is a highly adversarial issue and we are working hard to calibrate our systems to properly enforce the ban at scale."

Facebook says it has taken down hundreds of accounts and pages linked to Myanmar army personnel since 2018 after the New York Times reported that military officials were behind fake pages inciting violence against the Muslim Rohingya minority, 700,000 fled an army crackdown in 2017, and a Reuters investigation found Facebook was failing to police anti-Rohingya hate speech.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asean-summit-begins-without-myanmar-junta-boycotts-in-response-to-the-snub-424118">ASEAN summit begins without Myanmar: Junta boycotts in response to the snub</a>

YouTube said it had "terminated" two pro-military channels posing as news outlets flagged by Reuters and that it was monitoring for "violative" content, while TikTok said it had "aggressively removed" thousands of Myanmar accounts that breached its guidelines.

Twitter said it remained vigilant against attempted manipulation. Telegram did not respond to a request for comment.

'Information Warfare'

The information combat drive is being coordinated from the capital Naypyidaw by the army's Public Relations and Information Production Unit, known under the acronym Ka Ka Com, which has hundreds of soldiers there, said Nyi Thuta and Lin Htet Aung.

"Ka Ka Com gives a person's information to military intelligence if they believe they should be arrested or subject to on the ground surveillance," said Lin Htet Aung.

The central unit coordinates the work of dozens of smaller social media teams deployed across the country at regional military commands and battalions, according to the defectors.

The military has imposed some temporary restrictions on the internet since the coup and banned the use of Facebook in February yet 20 million people in the country continued to use the platform in July, according to Facebook data. That figure compares with 28 million in January, with many users getting around the ban by using virtual private networks (VPNs), according to researchers.

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;No end in sight to the bloody turmoil in Myanmar

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Nyi Thuta and Lin Htet Aung said those monitoring for signs of trouble were particularly vigilant for any dissent among other soldiers to prevent defections. They said "monitoring teams" were often staffed in part by female soldiers, who are not allowed combat roles.

Both ahead of the election and after the coup, soldiers and their families were told to report their social media accounts to the army and warned not to post content critical of the junta or supportive of Aung San Suu Kyi, according to the two defectors plus another military source.

Nyi Thuta said he and other soldiers who did leave the army had been the targets of online attacks. 
Reuters reviewed two Telegram groups with thousands of soldiers in them, who shared the identities, photos and social media details of people they said they suspected of being "watermelons", pro-military on the outside but secretly supportive of Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party's colours are red.

Both Lin Htet Aung and Nyi Thuta said they left the army of their own accord in protest at the coup. Lin Htet Aung now helps to train rebel forces in Myanmar.

Nyi Thuta, who declined to specify his location, said he had launched an online support organization for military personnel who wanted to defect, called People's Soldiers. The group, which has over a quarter of a million followers on Facebook, estimates that 2,000 soldiers have defected since the coup, a figure that Reuters was unable to confirm.&nbsp;

"I'm using the information warfare tactics I learned in the army against them," he said.&nbsp;

As Myanmar's military seeks to put down protest on the streets, a parallel battle is playing out on social media, with the junta using fake accounts to denounce opponents and press its message that it seized power to save the nation from election fraud, eight people with knowledge of the tactics said.

As Myanmar's military seeks to put down protest on the streets, a parallel battle is playing out on social media, with the junta using fake accounts to denounce opponents and press its message that it seized power to save the nation from election fraud, eight people with knowledge of the tactics said. The army, which was banned by the country's dominant online platform Facebook after the February 1 coup, has tasked thousands of soldiers with conducting what is widely referred to in the military as "information combat", according to the people, who include four military sources. Also Read | Myanmar leader Suu Kyi testifies before junta court The mission of the social media drive, part of the military's broader propaganda operations, is to spread the junta's view among the population, as well as to monitor dissenters and attack them online as traitors, the people told Reuters. "Soldiers are asked to create several fake accounts and are given content segments and talking points that they have to post," said Captain Nyi Thuta, who defected from the army to join rebel forces at the end of February. "They also monitor activity online and join (anti-coup) online groups to track them." The 31-year-old said he was part of the army's propaganda operations until his defection, writing speeches for military chief Min Aung Hlaing. A spokesperson for the military government did not respond to repeated requests for comment on its social media tactics. In September, a junta spokesperson on army-owned Myawaddy TV accused media groups and opposition activists of spreading "fake news" about the situation in Myanmar. The eight people with knowledge of the social media drive all asked to remain anonymous, citing fears of retaliation, with the exception of Nyi Thuta and Captain Lin Htet Aung, who defected from the army in April. Also read | US concerned over Myanmar army operations in Chin state, town ablaze The military, known as the Tatmadaw, is pushing its campaign online even as it puts down protests on the streets, nine months after it ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, saying her National League for Democracy had fraudulently won the November 2020 vote. International election watchdogs said in a May report that the vote was fair. A Reuters review of thousands of social media posts in 2021 found that about 200 military personnel, using their personal accounts on platforms including Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter and Telegram, regularly posted messages or videos alleging fraud at the election and denouncing anti-coup protesters as traitors. In over 100 cases, the messages or videos were duplicated across dozens of copycat accounts within minutes, as well as on online groups, purported fan channels for Myanmar celebrities and sports teams and purported news outlets, data from Facebook-owned online tracking tool Crowdtangle showed. Posts often referred to people who opposed the junta as "enemies of the state" and "terrorists", and variously said they wanted to destroy the army, the country and the Buddhist religion. Also Read | Former US diplomat and hostage negotiator on visit to Myanmar Many opposition activists are using some similar methods, creating duplicate accounts to fill "Twitter teams" with hundreds of thousands of members and making anti-junta hashtags trend, according to the review and four activist sources. While such tactics are common worldwide, they can be particularly influential in Myanmar, according to four researchers interviewed by Reuters who said the population receives most of its information via social media rather than directly from established news outlets, and Facebook is regularly used by over half the population. 'Aggressively Removed' The Tatmadaw has killed more than 1,000 civilians and jailed thousands since the coup, according to the United Nations, though the army says these estimates are exaggerated and that soldiers have also been killed by rebel forces. Rafael Frankel, Facebook's director of public policy in emerging countries, Asia Pacific, told Reuters the company "proactively" detected almost 98 per cent of the hate speech removed from its platform in Myanmar. "Our ban of the Tatmadaw and repeated disruption of coordinated inauthentic behavior has made it harder for people to misuse our services to cause harm," he added, responding to questions on the army's continued use of fake accounts. "This is a highly adversarial issue and we are working hard to calibrate our systems to properly enforce the ban at scale." Facebook says it has taken down hundreds of accounts and pages linked to Myanmar army personnel since 2018 after the New York Times reported that military officials were behind fake pages inciting violence against the Muslim Rohingya minority, 700,000 fled an army crackdown in 2017, and a Reuters investigation found Facebook was failing to police anti-Rohingya hate speech. Also read | ASEAN summit begins without Myanmar: Junta boycotts in response to the snub YouTube said it had "terminated" two pro-military channels posing as news outlets flagged by Reuters and that it was monitoring for "violative" content, while TikTok said it had "aggressively removed" thousands of Myanmar accounts that breached its guidelines. Twitter said it remained vigilant against attempted manipulation. Telegram did not respond to a request for comment. 'Information Warfare' The information combat drive is being coordinated from the capital Naypyidaw by the army's Public Relations and Information Production Unit, known under the acronym Ka Ka Com, which has hundreds of soldiers there, said Nyi Thuta and Lin Htet Aung. "Ka Ka Com gives a person's information to military intelligence if they believe they should be arrested or subject to on the ground surveillance," said Lin Htet Aung. The central unit coordinates the work of dozens of smaller social media teams deployed across the country at regional military commands and battalions, according to the defectors. The military has imposed some temporary restrictions on the internet since the coup and banned the use of Facebook in February yet 20 million people in the country continued to use the platform in July, according to Facebook data. That figure compares with 28 million in January, with many users getting around the ban by using virtual private networks (VPNs), according to researchers. Watch | No end in sight to the bloody turmoil in Myanmar Nyi Thuta and Lin Htet Aung said those monitoring for signs of trouble were particularly vigilant for any dissent among other soldiers to prevent defections. They said "monitoring teams" were often staffed in part by female soldiers, who are not allowed combat roles. Both ahead of the election and after the coup, soldiers and their families were told to report their social media accounts to the army and warned not to post content critical of the junta or supportive of Aung San Suu Kyi, according to the two defectors plus another military source. Nyi Thuta said he and other soldiers who did leave the army had been the targets of online attacks. Reuters reviewed two Telegram groups with thousands of soldiers in them, who shared the identities, photos and social media details of people they said they suspected of being "watermelons", pro-military on the outside but secretly supportive of Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party's colours are red. Both Lin Htet Aung and Nyi Thuta said they left the army of their own accord in protest at the coup. Lin Htet Aung now helps to train rebel forces in Myanmar. Nyi Thuta, who declined to specify his location, said he had launched an online support organization for military personnel who wanted to defect, called People's Soldiers. The group, which has over a quarter of a million followers on Facebook, estimates that 2,000 soldiers have defected since the coup, a figure that Reuters was unable to confirm. "I'm using the information warfare tactics I learned in the army against them," he said.

'Information combat': Inside the fight for Myanmar's soul. The army's parallel fight online.

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