specifically has suspended trade ties with the country, which will remain in place “until the return of a democratically elected government.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the crisis a “ reign of terror.” The United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union have all placed sanctions on Myanmar military officials following the coup.

So far, in response to demonstrations, the military has killed more than 580 people and detained at least 2,400 others, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The protests are the largest since the Saffron Revolution in 2007 when thousands of monks rose up against the military regime. Despite this, the NLD’s opposition party, Union Solidarity and Development Party, which is supported by the military, has called for a recount of votes.Īnti-coup protests erupted just one day after the military junta seized control of the country. The country’s Union Election Commission said there was no sign of voter fraud. Hlaing said the military was “on the side of the people and would form a ‘true and disciplined democracy.’” He plans to hold “free and fair” elections once the state of emergency is lifted. In an official statement announcing the state of emergency, the military claims “the voter lists which were used during the multi-party general election which was held on the 8th of November were found to have huge discrepancies and the Union Election Commission failed to settle this matter.”Īdditionally, in his public comments following the coup, Gen.

Hlaing declared a year-long state of emergency, which includes curfews and restrictions on gatherings.

People in myanmar