To mark the New Year, Min Aung Hlaing has granted pardons to over 4,500 prisoners, including former President Win Myint and documentary filmmaker Shin Daewe. Only a minor reduction in sentence for Aung San Suu Kyi. A political charade to legitimise the junta following the sham elections. Whilst Yangon celebrates, the army continues to target civilians with air raids.
The regime has ordered churches in the northern state, home to a large Christian community, to celebrate Christmas Mass by 20 December. Any public event related to the holiday is prohibited on the 25th. Officials justify the measure citing logistical difficulties. Anger and frustration are widespread among the faithful. “They oppress us with weapons, and now they try to oppress our spirit,” said one.
The place of worship built in 1894 had a 'priceless' historical value for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Before setting fire to it, soldiers desecrated it by drinking and smoking inside. Catholics and Buddhists have lived together in harmony in the area for centuries. In the past year, the village has been attacked four times by militia, without any clashes or provocations.
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