Myanmar security forces arrest anti-coup protest leader, open fire on medical workers

Wai Moe Naing has emerged as one of the main leaders opposing the February 1 coup which ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government

The five-day new year holiday, known as Thingyan, began on Tuesday but pro-democracy activists cancelled the usual festivities to continue protests

Reading Time:3 minutes

Activist Wai Moe Naing (centre) is seen during an earlier demonstration against the military coup. He was arrested on Thursday morning. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:46pm, 15 Apr 2021Updated: 8:00pm, 15 Apr 2021

Myanmar security forces on Thursday arrested one of the main leaders of the campaign against military rule after ramming him with a car as he led a motorbike protest rally, friends and colleagues said.

They also opened fire on a pro-democracy protest by medical workers in the city of Mandalay, and during more shooting in a nearby area one man was killed and several were wounded.

Opponents of a February 1 coup that ousted an elected government led by Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi have kept up their campaign against the military this traditional New Year week with marches and various other displays of resistance.

“Our brother Wai Moe Naing was arrested. His motorbike was hit by an unmarked police car,” said Win Zaw Khiang, a member of a protest organising group.

Wai Moe Naing, a 25-year-old Muslim, has emerged as one of the most high-profile leaders of the opposition to the coup.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x