Human rights and civil society groups have long criticised the Peaceful Assembly Law, or Article 19 as it is commonly known, saying it has been used by the government and military to suppress opposition.

An amendment to the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law has been voted on in Burma's Lower House and now awaits Upper House approval.

Bahan township police commander Thein Win said the police intend to press charges against the demonstration ringleaders.

Nearly 400 civil society organisations in Burma released a joint statement on Tuesday demanding the release of activists who were detained and are facing charges for their role in an anti-war protest in Yangon on May 12.

Riot police in Yangon used batons on Saturday to break up a protest in support of victims of fighting in Burma’s northernmost Kachin State, arresting several of the organisers.

Hundreds of demonstrators gather in Yangon to protest proposed amendments to already contentious legislation that critics say would further curb the ability of citizens to publically assemble, as Parliament’s Upper House begins debate on the changes.