Francis Khoo Thwe

The G7 group condemns the military violence, calls for the release of political prisoners and supports the "demand for democracy and freedom" of the population. The EU has decided on targeted sanctions and the blocking of humanitarian aid to Naypyidaw government. Indonesia’s U-turn (which "supports the people of Myanmar"). A Malaysian court stops the repatriation of 1,200 illegal migrants, some in need of the right to asylum.

Hundreds of thousands of people in Yangon, Mandalay and other cities. Yesterday other demonstrations in Myitkyina, Monywa, Pagan, Dawei, Myeik, Lashio. Priests, nuns, Christian faithful demonstrated in Yangon, Mandalay, Taunggu, Loikaw, Kengtung. Singapore also condemns violence and demands a return to democracy.

Mya Thwate Thwate Kaing died yesterday after being wounded by police in Naypyidaw. The United Kingdom imposes sanctions on three generals; Canada on nine officials. The United States, India, Japan and Australia are demanding a quick return to democracy. Protesters take to the streets in Yangon and Myitkyina.

In a historic first diverse ethnic groups march in unison. Military junta claims "national unity" to exploit the mineral, wood, water and oil resources found on their lands. The strikes continue with hundreds of thousands of participants. The army uses rubber bullets and water cannons. There have been around 500 arrests so far.

In several cities, apparently broken-down cars block traffic on roads and bridges. The "Lady" is also accused of having violated a law on the management of natural disasters, i.e. the anti-Covid directives. China accused of sending Chinese soldiers to fight the population. Fears of a civil war. Violence is growing.

The army claim democracy demonstrators are the real danger. The UN warns the junta about the "severe consequences" of actions against the people and demands that the right of assembly be guaranteed without reprisals. Criticism of Card. Bo from Yangon and his party with a pink cake. Internet taken down for a few hours.

Tanks and armoured vehicles are patrolling the main streets. Today, engineering and technology students rallied north of Yangon. Soldiers drag to work people involved in civil disobedience. The human rights provisions of Myanmar’s constitution have been suspended. Soldiers can arrest and search without a warrant, and keep people in prison for more than 48 hours. Aung San Suu Kyi's trial postponed for two days.

The UN Commission for Human Rights calls for the release of democratically elected political leaders and guarantees of freedom of speech. The resolution was passed unanimously, but China, Russia, the Philippines, Venezuela and Bolivia are distancing themselves. The demonstrations by the entire population from across the generations, including "generation Z".

​For priests, seminarians and nuns, the pahrase often used by Pope Francis is the reason for their public demonstrations. Tens of thousands of people in Pathein are calling for an end to the dictatorship and the release of "our leaders". The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition demonstrating in front of the Chinese embassy in Yangon.

Buddhist monks in Pegu and Pakokku pray and march to protect the people from darkness. In Kengtung, Christians in procession with the statue of Our Lady. In Mandalay, the bishop's evening of prayer with priests and sisters. The religious of Saint Joseph of the Apparition distribute food and beverages to the demonstrators. The junta continues with the arrests of democratic personalities. Charges against the Chinese embassy of importing weapons for the junta. Biden launches new sanctions against generals.

According to doctors who treated the wounded, the military used live ammunition. More demonstrations today. Sit-ins in front of the embassy of China, considered "too friendly" towards junta. Bishops remove their directive banning religious personnel from participating in demonstrations. "What is the Church doing when people are arrested and persecuted for no reason?". The condemnation of the USA and the UN.

Demonstrations continue, despite junta prohibitions. Fire hydrants and rubber bullets used on demonstrators in Naypyidaw. In Yangon, two demonstrators hit by a police car. Bishops forbid priests and nuns to display and use Catholic symbols. "Shameful" directive. One nun: "We follow the social doctrine of the Church and the encyclical of Pope Francis Laudato si '".