Last week Myanmar saw a military coup which put former leader Aung San Suu Kyi in house arrest and General Min Aung Hlaing taking power. They imposed a year-long state of emergency, sparking nation-wide protests.
General Min Aung Hlaing has made his first TV address, aiming to justify his actions. He said November’s elections, which saw the National League for Democracy Party (NLD) enjoy a landslide victory, was unfair.
His speech aimed to justify his actions more than threaten protestors. He has accused the electoral commission of overlooking irregularities in voters lists and unfair campaigning. He has promised to conduct new elections under a "reformed election commission" and to hand over power to the winner. He attempted to reassure that this will not become like the former 49 years of military rule the country saw.
While he has not issued direct threats to protestors he reasserted that "no one was above law". But some areas have seen clampdowns, similar to former military rule.
The general's speech has been met with strong opposition and an expanding group of protestors. The protests have been continuing for 3 days now and are expected to become more organised in the coming days.
Written by Anushree Appandairajan
Artwork by Zara Masood
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