Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi’s detention extended till Feb 17 even as protests continue
Suu Kyi's extended detention is likely to further inflame tensions between the military, which seized power in a February 1 coup, and the protesters who have taken to the streets of cities across the Southeast Asian nation seeking the return of the government they elected.
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FollowYangon (Myanmar): Myanmar's military leaders have extended their detention of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose remand was set to expire Monday and whose freedom is a key demand of the crowds of people continuing to protest this month's military coup.
While people have been staging nationwide protests for the release of civilian leaders chanting and holding signs that read: "Free our leader", "Daw Aung Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint will be detained for two more days until February 17 as their trial continues," Myanmar Times quoted U Khin Maung Zaw, who is representing Daw Suu in court.
Suu Kyi's extended detention is likely to further inflame tensions between the military, which seized power in a February 1 coup, and the protesters who have taken to the streets of cities across the Southeast Asian nation seeking the return of the government they elected.
Protesters continued to gather across Myanmar on Monday following a night in which authorities cut the country's internet access and increased the security presence in major cities seeking to curtail demonstrations.
The military detained several political officials and activists including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and declared a one-year emergency. The military also alleged that Suu Kyi Government had failed to properly investigate allegations of over 10 million cases of voter irregularities in last year's elections.
The state election commission refuted that contention, saying there is no evidence to support it.
On Sunday, ambassadors from the United States and Canada and 12 European nations called on Myanmar's security forces to refrain from violence against those protesting the overthrow of their legitimate government.
They condemned the arrests of political leaders and activists as well as the military's interference with communications.
We support the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy, freedom, peace, and prosperity, they said in a joint statement issued late Sunday night. The world is watching.
(With inputs from agencies)
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