Spread the word partecipating to the International Bloggers’ Day for Burma.
“3 October 2007
Reports are emerging from Myanmar (Burma) of mass arrests overnight. On Wednesday, the military issued public warnings that more arrests were to be expected. Military trucks with mounted loudspeakers patrolled the city blaring: “We have photos. We are going to make arrests!”
Amidst such threats and the maintained military presence, an atmosphere of fear prevails. At the same time, some people caught up in last week’s arrests have been reported released, including journalists, monks and nuns.
The flood of reports in the city of alleged brutal killings, disappearances and arrests is causing major concern for the people of Myanmar (formerly Burma) and those watching the continuing crisis.
However, it remains extremely difficult for anyone to confirm details about who has been arrested, where they are held, why and under what circumstances. This uncertainty is partly as a consequence of restrictions on Internet and phone use.
Security forces have scaled up their efforts to curb the mass distribution of images and blogs providing information about the crackdown. Internet access remains limited and phone lines, including of diplomats, appear to have been cut. Random searches for cameras and mobile phones have reportedly been introduced in Yangon, with arrests taking place.
Over the past week, security forces in Myanmar have raided monasteries and attacked peaceful demonstrators, firing live bullets as well as tear gas and beating protesters with batons.
The authorities have acknowledged 10 deaths, including a Japanese video journalist, Kenji Nagai, who was killed when troops opened fire on a group of chanting demonstrators. However, it is feared that the actual number of fatalities is far higher.
Amnesty International believes that at least 1,000 people have been arrested in Yangon alone, the majority of them monks. Arrests are also reported from towns and cities across the country. This is in addition to at least 150 other persons arrested in August at the onset of the protests. Numerous key figures in the National League for Democracy, the main opposition party, and other activists are among those arrested. ”
Source: Amnesty International - Full read: Arrests continue in Myanmar
