Protests are growing as military grip on the Internet tightens

Protesters rally near Yangon University and roam the streets on motorcycles. After Facebook, Myanmar authorities block Twitter and Instagram. UN Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener is travelling to the Asian country. The junta tries to reassure foreign ambassadors and invites them to work with them.

Yangon (AsiaNews) – Six days after the military coup, protests are growing in Myanmar. This morning at least a thousand protesters, all young, marched on a road near Yangon University, shouting slogans against the "military dictatorship" and demanding the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Like in Thailand, protesters held up the three-finger salute that has come to symbolise resistance to military dictatorships. A large number of police agents with water trucks blocked nearby roads, but there were no clashes.

Meanwhile, some NGOs have reported a nationwide Internet blackout, especially in the evening. Both Twitter and Instagram were blocked in an attempt to stop the deluge of anti-regime hashtags.

Yesterday saw more demonstrations. At Yangon University of Education, educators and students held a protest, urging people, especially public servants, to join a “civil disobedience” movement.

In several cities, young people on motorcycles roamed the streets holding up the three-finger salute.

Meanwhile, the United Nations is trying to roll back the coup, sending a special envoy, Christine Schraner Burgener, to meet the military.

The international community too is looking for ways to engage the junta in dialogue.

Last night Myanmar authorities held an online meeting with the representatives of several foreign embassies, trying to reassure them and urging to work with the new junta.

• myanmar
• burma
• military coup
• yangon university
• united nations
• protests
• internet
• blackout