What just happened?
Following the arrest of the popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has gone into a military coup. The leader was questionably accused of illegally importing communications equipment, and detained on the basis of the said allegation. This set in motion protests against her arrest, and against a military regime that would replace the leader’s government. The country has been in upheaval ever since, with the most shocking turn of events being the violence on civilians participating in peaceful protests.
"Describing Wednesday’s death toll as “shocking”, Christine Schraner Burgener, the UN’s envoy on Myanmar, said in New York there were “now more than 50 people [dead] since the coup started and many are wounded”.1
What does this mean?
Despite a military control implying security in the country, it is safe to say that things are getting out of control. The people of Myanmar are in a state of fear and anger and their right to protest is being shot down. It is now quite irrelevant to talk about the emerging government's so called illegality and petty crimes throughout the election. This is an all too familiar scene that we have witnessed previously in Hong-Kong too. The underline current being the destruction of democratic rights and the shaming of politicians and actors that favor democratic methods.
"The armed forces had backed the opposition, who were demanding a rerun of the vote, claiming widespread fraud."2
This has been in contrast to the election commission saying there has been no evidence to support these claims. The "state of emergency" that was implored by the military, ironically took place as a new session of parliament was set to open.
What is the legal impact?
The key point we must remember in order to help things in Myanmar, is the evidence. There have been a lot of false claims and the groups responsible for this need to be held accountable. However, internally, this could be impossible as under the military coup, Chief Ming Aung Hlaing has been using violent methods as well as wrongful arrests to keep control. These crimes are being treated as lawful and necessary.
The Military commander and chief Ming Aung Hlaing is currently in power. He has complete influence over Myanmar's army the Tatmadaw. This power has remained substantial even throughout the countries progression to democracy.
With this in mind, there must be an outside influence from other countries and The UN. Myanmar military is known for human rights violations in the past and standing up to them now could stop further escalation. Christine Schraner Burgener addressing the UN General Assembly –“ I strongly condemn the recent steps taken by the military and urge all of you to collectively send a clear signal in support of democracy in Myanmar."3
The people of Myanmar are devastated to have to return to a military regime after living peacefully and well for some time.
"The protests over the coup have been the largest since the so-called Saffron Revolution in 2007, when thousands of monks rose up against the military regime."4
Hopefully this regime will not have to lead to more bloodshed and the most influential of powers throughout the world should legally support the people of Myanmar to reclaim their strongly desired democracy. Otherwise these injustices will just continue to plague the country unless a strong message from the rest of the world is aimed at the regime.
By Nadia Sbai
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References
1. Christine Schraner Burgener, AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES, 3 March 2021 https://www-aljazeera-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2021/3/3/un-envoy-says-38-dead-in-bloodiest-day-since-coup-hit-myanmar?amp_js_v=a6&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQHKAFQArABIA%3D%3D#aoh=16154775331729&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aljazeera.com%2Fnews%2F2021%2F3%2F3%2Fun-envoy-says-38-dead-in-bloodiest-day-since-coup-hit-myanmar
2. Alice Cuddy,BBC News, 1/03/2021
3. ibid
4. Special Envoy of UN Secretary-General on Myanmar, Twitter 4 March 2021 https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/03/1086332
Disclaimer: This article (and any information accessed through links in this article) is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.