YANGON: The party of Myanmar’s toppled leader Aung San Suu Kyi demanded her immediate release Tuesday, after a military coup that triggered international condemnation and sanctions threats from the new US president.
Armed troops patrolled the capital, Naypyidaw, where Suu Kyi and other National League for Democracy party leaders were detained in pre-dawn raids on Monday just ahead of the scheduled resumption of parliament.
Soldiers were also stationed Tuesday outside the dormitories for parliamentarians in Naypyidaw, with one NLD MP describing it as “an open-air detention centre”.
“We are not allowed to go outside,” she told AFP by telephone, requesting anonymity for fear of the military. “We are very worried.”
Suu Kyi and President Win Myint remained under house arrest, the lawmaker told AFP, although it was not immediately clear where they were being held.
Despite the intimidation, a statement was posted on the NLD’s verified Facebook page calling for the release of Suu Kyi and all detained party members.
“We see this as a stain on the history of the State and the Tatmadaw,” it added, referring to the military by its Burmese name.
It also demanded the military “recognise the confirmed result of the 2020 general election”.
The military justified its seizure of power by alleging widespread fraud in elections held three months ago that the NLD won in a landslide.
The military said it would hold power under a state of emergency for 12 months, claiming it would then hold fresh elections.
US President Joe Biden led the chorus of global outrage, calling for a quick restoration of democracy and warning that Washington could reimpose sanctions.
“The international community should come together in one voice to press the Burmese military to immediately relinquish the power they have seized,” Biden said.
“The United States is taking note of those who stand with the people of Burma in this difficult hour.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the European Union and Australia were among others to condemn the coup. Britain summoned Myanmar’s envoy in formal protest. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet Tuesday for an emergency meeting.
