Burma's military crackdown continues

Last Modified: 28 Sep 2007
By: Jonathan Miller

Five monasteries closed and at least nine dead. With warning shots from riot police and internet access restricted, what next for Burma?

After talking with the American and Chinese leaders, Gordon Brown has declared from Downing Street that he fears that the deaths following the military crack-down in Burma have been 'far greater' than reported.

Soldiers and police baton-charged and fired warning shots over small groups of protesters in Burma today during the eleventh day of demonstrations against 45 years of military rule.

There are also unconfirmed reports tonight of mass killings at a school.

"They are shooting people in the street and the EU response is to set up a committee. A delay will be seen as a green light by the regime that it can carry on shooting without facing consequences."
Mark Farmaner, Burma Campaign UK

Regime clampdown

Five monasteries in Rangoon were closed by the regime in the hope of disciplining the Buddhist monks who started the anti-government protests.

The protests began as sporadic marches against fuel price hikes, but in the last fortnight have turned into mass demonstrations against the military junta.

Internet access was also taken down to stop dissidents from sending pictures and video to the international media. Because of the restrictions imposed by the Burmese authorities, there are very few western journalists operating in the country.

Witnesses say loudspeaker trucks toured the northeastern Rangoon district of South Okkalapa today, announcing a four-hour extension to the overnight curfew that was imposed on Yangon and the second city of Mandalay on Tuesday.

A united front

There has been little sign of the monks on the streets. However, monks have told foreign Burmese-language broadcasters they were not going to give up.

Speaking anonymously, they said they had formed a "united front" of clergy, students and activists to continue the struggle.

Protesters also chanted in Rangoon: "May the people who beat monks be struck down by lightning."

"The democratic movement in Burma has stood firmly behind Aung San Suu Kyi's calls for reconciliation, inclusivity and unity. I salute their courage, moderation and dignity."
Gordon Brown, British prime minister

Appeal for calm

The junta's violent response to the peaceful demonstrations, despite worldwide calls for restraint, has led to a stream of diplomatic protests.

Gordon Brown defended the protesters and said he was pressing the EU for tougher sanctions against Burma's rulers.

The UN special envoy to Burma, Dr Ibrahim Gambari, is arriving in Burma tomorrow after the junta consented to his visit.

Yesterday, at least nine people were killed in Rangoon, including a Japanese photographer, 50-year-old Kenji Nagai. Pictures of him clutching a camera as he lay dying were smuggled out of the country.

Investigation

Japan intends to send an envoy to Burma at the weekend to investigate his killing, according to Japanese prime minister, Yasuo Fukuda.

The new Japanese leader has also spoken with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao by telephone. He urged Beijing, Burma's closest ally, to exercise its influence over the military junta.

In the past, Japan itself has been been criticised for not taking a hard line on Burma's military government.

Watch Jonathan's Miller's report on the latest from Burma
Watch the interview with Dr Thant Myint-U, a former political advisor to the UN Secretary General.

Peace protests

Here in the UK, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Burmese Embassy in London before marching to Downing Street.

The event began with a one-minute silence for those who had, in the organisers' words, 'sacrificed their lives' for freedom. There were also prayers by Buddhist monks and speeches by members of other faiths.