The 36th anniversary of the ‘8888 Uprising’ for democracy
The Anti-Junta Alliance Yangon (AJAY), an anti-military underground group opposed to the 2021 military coup, staged a flash mob protest in Yangon on Tuesday to mark the anniversary of the ‘8888 Uprising’ for democracy in Burma, which will be commemorated around the world today.
“It’s not about firepower. It’s about people power. It doesn’t matter how many weapons you purchase from Russia and China, the people will triumph because they have the resolve to make sure that their country is back in the hands of the people,” said Miemie Winn Byrd, a professor at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies and a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel.
The pro-democracy protesters raised banners with slogans reading: “The Future of Our Nation is in Our hands” and “Let’s struggle together to complete the unfinished task of the 8888 people’s uprising.” There is a heightened military and police presence on the streets of Yangon today, where the ‘8888 Uprising’ began on Aug. 8, 1988. A rally was also held in Salingyi Township of Sagaing Region to commemorate the important date in the history of Burma’s pro-democracy movement.
Thailand’s constitutional court dissolves Move Forward Party
Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) for violating the constitution over its plans to amend the lese-majeste law, known as Article 112 of the Thai criminal code, which forbids any criticism of the monarchy. The Election Commission of Thailand submitted a petition requesting the dissolution of the MFP in March due to its election pledge to reform the law.
“This action is part of a pattern of legal attacks on popular political opposition parties in Thailand. The Thai government must prioritize the integrity of its election system and ensure that political parties can operate without unjust interference,” said Amy Smith, the executive director at Fortify Rights.
MFP central executive members, including former leader Pita Limjaroenrat, will be banned from participating in politics for the next 10 years. The MFP won the most seats in Thailand’s 2023 general election, but the military-appointed Senate blocked Pita’s bid to become prime minister. MFP members have raised issues in the Thai parliament regarding human rights in Burma.
Regime claims Bangkok to help with its election
Naypyidaw claimed on Wednesday that Bangkok will assist with its upcoming planned election. This comes after Thailand’s Ambassador to Burma Mongkol Visitstump met with regime officials, including the head of the Union Election Commission (UEC) Ko Ko, during a visit to Naypyidaw on Tuesday.
“The Thai ambassador to Myanmar discussed election preparations with the Union Election Commission, including political party activities, Thailand’s potential support, and future cooperation between the two countries,” regime media reported.
It added that the UEC will be collaborating with the Election Commission of Thailand. Ambassador Visitstump also met with Myint Kyaing, the regime’s minister of Labour, Immigration, and Population. Naypyidaw also claimed that Bangkok will help it conduct a nationwide census, which is planned to take place Oct. 1-15.
News by Region
NAYPYIDAW—The U.N. Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Country Director Sara Austin Netzer presented her credentials to the regime’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Than Swe in Naypyidaw on Tuesday. UNOPS implements humanitarian aid and development projects for the U.N. and its partners.
MANDALAY—An administrator was killed and her sister was injured after they were shot by unidentified gunmen while traveling in a vehicle on Tuesday. Residents accused the administrator of assisting the regime with military conscription. She was also accused of taking bribes from conscription evaders.
ARAKAN—More than 70 civilians, including women and children, were arrested during a midnight inspection by regime troops in Sittwe on Sunday. “There were no administrators [present] and [soldiers] arrested anyone they wanted to,” said a Sittwe resident.
More than 700 civilians have been arrested since the Arakan Army (AA) launched its offensive on Nov. 13, residents told DVB. At least 400 have been held under the Unlawful Associations Act and other related charges. Relatives of those arrested have had to pay bribes from 700,000 ($215 USD) to five million kyat ($1,539 USD) to secure their release.
SHAN—The Brotherhood Alliance issued a statement on Tuesday calling on China to help prevent the military regime in Naypyidaw from carrying out airstrikes and artillery attacks on towns under its control in northern Shan and Arakan states.
“We primarily urge the neighboring country, China, as well as other members of the international community, to prevent the military council’s war crimes,” its statement said. The Brotherhood Alliance includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the AA.
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