Burmese protestors defy junta
Updated on 25 September 2007
Up to 5,000 Burmese monks and citizens have taken to the streets of Rangoon in defiance of warnings from the ruling military junta.
Generals have threatened the use of force to break up what is reported to be the biggest mass demonstrations against the junta in 20 years.
Some of the people marching carried the symbolic red "fighting peacock" flag, a national emblem of the student uprising in 1988, when it's estimated that 3,000 people died at the hands of the military.
Today the army drove around the historical capital Rangoon in vehicles mounted with loudspeakers.
Making use of a law which permits the use of military force to break up illegal protests, the speakers broadcast warnings to demonstrators: "people are not to follow, encourage or take part in these marches. Action will be taken against those who violate this order".
Yesterday state-controlled broadcasters said that protestors were being influenced by "destructionists" and "external media powers".
World leaders have urged the Burmese government to act with caution.
