Myanmar Detains at Least 63 Activists

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) – Myanmar’s military junta has detained at least 63 activists who protested massive fuel-price hikes, state media reported Saturday as the government pursued its clampdown on the increasingly daring demonstrations.

Thirteen people arrested Tuesday were from the pro-democracy 88 Generation Students group and were “being interrogated” for allegedly undermining the government, colluding with insurgent groups and harming the community peace, the state-controlled New Light of Myanmar newspaper said. The activists could face up to 20 years in jail.


Myanmar’s ruling junta has been widely criticized for human rights violations, including the 11-year house arrest of opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta tolerates little public dissent, sometimes sentencing activists to long jail terms for violating broadly defined security laws.

But people in the impoverished country have been angry at the military government’s decision to double fuel prices at state-owned gas stations earlier this month, prompting the recent displays of public opposition.

The Guardian