Myanmar army warning protesters could face up to 20 years in prison
In the post made on the Facebook page of the Myanmar army, it was announced that those who prevent the security forces from performing their duties in the protests that continue throughout the country after the military coup and the arrest of the government members could be sentenced to long prison terms.
In the post, which stated that those who prevent the armed forces from performing their duties can be sentenced up to 20 years in prison, it was noted that in addition to fines, long-term prison sentences can be applied to those who commit acts of hate and humiliation against the leaders of the military junta verbally, in writing, or by pointing.
On the other hand, it has been reported that those who are found to cause fear or unrest in the public can be sentenced to 3 to 7 years in prison.
Military vehicles on the streets
While protests against the military coup and the detention of elected government members were continuing in Myanmar, it was reported that internet connection was cut and military vehicles started to patrol the streets today.
In the images shared by the protesting groups on social media, tanks and military vehicles drew attention in the capital city of Nepido and Yangon cities where the demonstrations were held.
Soldiers in Yangon were seen interfering with the crowd who wanted to demonstrate with plastic bullets.
In the news published on the protesters’ website, Myanmar Now, it was reported that the military administration detained many protesters in Yangon in the morning.
Military coup in Myanmar
The Myanmar army seized the administration on February 1, after political groups close to it made allegations of fraud in the 8 November 2020 elections and the rising tension in the country.
While the army declared a state of emergency for a year, many officials and ruling party leaders, including the Foreign Minister and de facto leader of the country, Aung San Suu Çii, were detained.
The United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU), the international community has condemned the coup, mainly in Turkey, one of the countries that had the strongest reaction came. The USA had put the sanctions back on Myanmar on its agenda.
While the people started demonstrations demanding a return to democracy on February 6, the police intervened in places against the demonstrators. The army had decided to martial law in some cities.
On February 13, 7 people, including famous pro-democracy activists and a singer, were detained on the grounds that they made comments supporting the anti-coup protests on social media.
