Daily Briefing in Relation to the Military Coup for 13 Feb 2021

Updated 13 February 2021

Mass demonstrations against the junta continued this Saturday, on the thirteenth day since the illegitimate coup by the military. There was a ten-minute silence of respect for the day of independence hero General Aung San birth, father of currently-detained State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi at some demonstrations. More and more sections of society are coming together, a number of demonstrations were hundreds of thousands in size around the country, peacefully fighting for democracy. 

The Kayah State Anti-Coup Committee announced that 6 policemen and one traffic police from Loikaw and Demawso Township took part in a public protest on 13 February 2021, so far 61 policemen, including one traffic light police have taken part in the civil disobedience movement. When two policemen were taking part in the public protest in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State, a police force led by the police colonel demanded his two policemen return, people shielded those two policemen from backlash in response.

On 13 February 2021, Ko Min Ko Naing and U Jimmy, two leaders of the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society, U Myo Yan Naung Thein of the All-Myanmar People’s Sovereignty Network, well known singer Lin Lin, Ma Ei Pancilo, Maung Maung Aye, and Insein Aung Soe, who communicated anti-military messages on social media were issued arrest warrants, charged under section 505(b) of the Penal Code. 

On 12 February, a man was injured in a brawl between a pro-military group and peaceful demonstrators in Meiktila Township, Mandalay Region.

But whilst the peaceful intentions of the civil disobedience movement is well known, there are disturbing reports of instability caused by violent mobs. There is historical precedent for instability being fomented across Burma. Some arrests were made by community groups in response. 

On the same day as mobs were committing violence in communities, the police force conducted night-time raids on individuals allegedly associated with the civil disobedience movement. These arbitrary arrests are happening at night, and in violation of domestic law, but the civil disobedience movement was successful. In Sanchaung Township, Yangon  for example, residents “Drummed out the Evil” using pots and pans to make loud noises in groups when they thought police units were conducting raids to arrest people. There is also a video of residents in Kyeemyindaing Township, Yangon, gathering together in their hundreds to demand the release of a teacher reportedly detained. 

For detentions in relation to the coup. As of February 12, a total of (384) people have been arrested and detained in relation to the military coup on February 1. Of them, (3) have been sentenced, 2 to two years imprisonment, 1 to three months, (24) were released. A total of (360) are still under detention, including the (3) sentenced. 

AAPP will continue to keep you informed of verified daily arrests, charges and sentences in relation to coup, and update our lists to the details of these alleged offences. 

In Solidarity, 

AAPP

Download link for Recent Arrests List (Last Updated on 13 Feb 21)