Myanmar coup: police threaten use of deadly force as monks, nurses join protests

So far gatherings have been peaceful, unlike bloody crackdowns during previous widespread protests in 1988 and 2007

In addition to the street protests, a campaign of civil disobedience has begun, including doctors, some teachers and other government workers

Reading Time:3 minutes

Protesters display the three-fingered salute as they rally against the military coup in Myanmar. Photo: Reuters

Published: 2:23pm, 8 Feb 2021Updated: 10:40pm, 8 Feb 2021

Myanmar police on Monday warned protesters to disperse or face force soon after state television signalled impending action to stifle mass demonstrations against a military coup and the arrest of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Tens of thousands of people joined a third day of street demonstrations in towns and cities across the country to denounce the military for its seizure of power last Monday.

In the capital Naypyidaw, three lines of police in riot gear could be seen across a road as protesters chanted anti-coup slogans and told police they should serve the people not the military, according to media and a live feed of events.

Police placed a sign in the road saying that live ammunition could be used if demonstrators breached the third line of officers.

Police fire a water cannon at protesters demonstrating against the coup in Naypyidaw. Photo: Reuters

Earlier, police in Naypyidaw briefly turned water cannon on protesters. The junta could not be reached for comment on the protests, but state media signalled possible action against protesters in the first comment from any government channel, saying the public wanted rid of “wrongdoers”.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x