Myanmar authorities arrest dozens ahead of planned protests
ABC News
Security forces in Myanmar have arrested dozens of people in a preemptive move to suppress plans for a nationwide strike on Tuesday, which is the one-year anniversary of the army’s seizure of power
BANGKOK -- Security forces in Myanmar have arrested dozens of people in a preemptive move to suppress plans for a nationwide strike Tuesday on the one-year anniversary of the army’s seizure of power, state-run media reported.
Opponents of military rule in the country have called for a “Silent Strike” aimed at emptying the streets of Myanmar's cities and towns by having people stay home and businesses shut their doors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. One of the planned follow-up protests then wants supporters to make noise by banging pots and pans, or honking horns.
The military’s Feb. 1, 2021 takeover ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy party was about to begin a second five-year term in office after winning a landslide victory in the previous year's November election.
At least 58 people have been arrested since last week after posting notices on Facebook that their shops and businesses would be closed on Tuesday, according to reports in the state-run Myanma Alinn Daily newspaper.
