Attacks by the Myanmar troops against Karen forces have impacted villages and civilian infrastructure in Thailand, resulting in people wounded and property damage. For the Thai government, which hosted Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok in August, this presents a difficult diplomatic challenge.
Eight other members of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, including his wife, also sentenced - again in absentia. Defendants deprived of civil rights will not be able to participate in elections in 2022 and 2023. Activists and experts speak of a politically motivated ruling. The dissolved party announces a battle.
A viral outbreak has been declared at the John XXIII Seminary in East Java, which hosts major seminarians from ten dioceses. At least 30 people have been infected, 13 of whom have been hospitalised. The Sisters of St Charles Borromeo in Yogyakarta, who have already faced the coronavirus, have come to help.
Demonstrations in Yangon and Lashio. The UN condemns the use of lethal bullets, tear gas and stun grenades against protesters. Aung San Suu Kyi in court. A Yangon police chief, Tin Min Tun, says he "does not want to serve under the present military regime." Tom Andrews, UN human rights expert in Myanmar: Words are insufficient. Action must be taken.
A Christian's mission, Francis said at the Angelus, is "ignite little lights in people's hearts; be little lamps of the Gospel that bring a little love and hope ". In Lent a "fast" from gossip. A prayer for children suffering from rare diseases.
The woman killed was a teacher who demonstrated. Demonstrations also in Mandalay, in Lashio (Shan State), in Myitkyina (Kachin State). In Mandalay there are Catholic and Buddhist parades. In Myitkyina a nun pleaded alone in front of the military. The new junta fires the Burmese ambassador to the UN, Kyaw Moe Tun, who has asked for the help of the international community.
Commentary on the Gospel of the 2nd Sunday of Lent B (Mark 9, 2-10).
'Towards an ever wider we ': the theme of the World Migrant's Day
The ship with 81 refugees was rescued by the New Delhi coast guard which refuses to allow it dock and wants it to return to Bangladesh. The Dhaka Foreign Minister: "We are under no obligation". Already eight dead on board.
Msgr Ramousse died yesterday of Covid. He was expelled from Phnom Penh in 1975. He returned there in 1989. He focused heavily on the growth of a Khmer Church and on the flowering of local priestly vocations. It was also thanks to him that the Catholic Church is now recognized by the Cambodian government. Collaboration with PIME for the rescue of 2,000 Cambodian and Vietnamese boat people.
The Mon march together with other ethnic groups in the economic capital. Three reporters detained. Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun calls on the international community to "stop the military coup". UN envoy Christine Schraner Burgener warns every country against recognizing the junta regime.
Myanmar’s civil society goes on strike: doctors, health staff, teachers, students, bank employees, private sector workers, railway employees, dockworkers. According to the UN rapporteur on Myanmar, three-quarters of state employees are on strike. The junta could be dragged down by economic collapse. Police carry out night arrests, detain protesters. Catholic nuns and Buddhist monks support protesters. A Japanese journalist is arrested. Indonesian minister calls for respect the wishes of the people of Myanmar.
As local transportation comes to a halt as a result of the pandemic, the sale of vegetables, chickens and eggs in the northern province is disrupted. This is particularly critical for the local economy during the Lunar New Year period. Some firms and individuals have responded by promoting online shopping. But there is a fear that the crisis could spread to neighbouring areas.
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