Yangon: Earlier this month, the army which had taken power through the coup by holding Myanmar’s democratic government in captivity, has now started showing its stern attitude. Myanmar’s military has warned anti-coup protesters across the country that they could face up to 20 years in prison if they obstruct the armed forces.
Since the coup, demonstrations have been taking place across the country with the demand for the release of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu. The army has banned social media sites to weaken the protest and in many areas the internet is also closed. However, despite this, thousands of people are protesting on the streets.
According to the report of BBC.com, long sentences and fines will also apply to those found to incite “hatred or contempt” towards the coup leaders. The legal changes were announced as armoured vehicles appeared on the streets of several cities.
The demonstrators are demanding the release from detention of their elected leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.
As per the reports, the ruling junta has threatened long prison sentences and fines on anyone found to incite hatred towards the military, “by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation”.
In a statement posted on a military website on Monday, it said that people preventing the security forces from carrying out their duties could face 20 years in prison, while those found to stir up fear or unrest in public could be imprisoned for terms of three to seven years.
The military government on Saturday gave itself the power to make arrests, carry out searches and hold people for more than 24 hours without a court ruling.
It has also told journalists not to describe the military’s takeover as a coup.
Tom Andrews, the special representative of the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Myanmar, has warned the military that they will be held accountable for their crimes. Andrews said, “It seems as if the generals have waged a war against the people of Myanmar. Late night raids, arrests of people in large numbers, shutting down of internet, entry of army convoys among communities, all these steps are like war against the public. These are symbols of frustration. Careful generals, you will be held accountable for this.”