The regime gave several jail sentences against activists, journalists, NLD members and celebrities today. It looks like the generals are trying to send a message to its opposition, but it looks more like a sign of weakness, rather than strength. A legitimate government that holds control of the country, does not need to show its authority with such emphasis. But the junta does. The generals need to eliminate the free press, to ban all non-State media, to shut internet down, to jail all opponents, because it is weak and has no way to survive in a democratic environment. This is true especially after the coup.
POLITICS, ECONOMY AND OTHER NEWS
• The UN Security Council released a statement condemning the Christmas Eve’s massacre in Karenni State that killed 35 civilians, demanding accountability for the crime.
• Magwe Region chief minister Dr. Aung Moe Nyo (NLD), has been sentenced by the regime to 18 years of prison on 6 different corruption charges
• U Han Tha Myint, U Thein Oo and Dr. Myo Nyunt (NLD) sentenced by the regime to 2 years of prison for incitement.
• Journalist Mya Wun Yan, Chief Editor of Than Lwin Thway Chinn media, sentenced to 2 years of prison under section 505 (a) of the penal code.
• Wai Yan Phyo Moe, vice president of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU), sentenced to 2 years of prison
• Actors Lu Min, Ye Tike, Indra Kyaw Zin, Pyay Ti Oo; musicians Saw Phoe Khwar, Po Po; beauty blogger Win Min Than, have been sentenced by the regime to 3 years of prison
• Tun Tun Oo, the regime’s chief of justice, issued an order to staffers in the justice department, requesting them not to accept any letter sent by the International Criminal Court (ICC) or the Argentinian Federal Court or arriving via DHL. Both courts are currently investigating the Burmese military for genocide against the Rohingya and crimes against humanity.
• Padoh Saw Taw Nee, the Karen National Union (KNU) spokesperson, rejects a recent statement by the regime claiming that the Burmese military used “limited force” for defensive purposes in Karen State. Clashes started after several raids by the regime, which arrested several anti-coup figures who were sheltering in Lay Kay Kaw. After episodes of looting and destruction, the Karen National Liberation Army (the KNU’s armed wing) responded. The regime later launched airstrikes, prompting 15,000 to flee, including thousands who crossed the Thai border. The regime kept firing at them, and its artillery landed in Thai territory destroying houses and crops.
• According to the Salween Press, due to the lower number of new recruits since the military coup, the regime reduced the qualifications needed to join the Air Force. New recruits must have completed the 6th grade (instead of 10th grade)
CHIN STATE
• Thantlang: regime soldiers burned at least 55 civilian houses once again, including a Christian building.
SAGAING
• Pinlebu: Resistance groups confiscated 20 tons of illegal teak wood
KACHIN STATE
• Putao: the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People’s Defence Forces (PDF) launched an attack on a military vehicle carrying more than 30 soldiers. Several soldiers have been killed
KAREN (KAYIN) STATE
• Lay Kay Kaw: 7 regime soldiers captured by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)
• KNDP President Man Aung Pyi Soe calls for a peaceful solution of the current conflict
MAGWAY
• According to Tachileik News Agency, the military regime is trying to form pro-regime armed groups in the region, but with no success
COVID DAILY (as reported by the military-controlled Ministry of Health. Real figures are believed to be higher than officially reported)
• 369 new cases and 3 new deaths
AAPP Burma daily update (arrests and killings connected to the attempted military coup only, does not include events related to armed conflict). Since February 1st:
• 1,382 killed (+0)
• 11,281 total arrests (+27)
• 1,964 evading warrant (+0)
0 Comments