Myanmar Forces Open Fire on Protesters

[babylonsister]

Myanmar Forces Open Fire on Protesters
Associated Press 09.26.07, 6:00 PM ET

YANGON, Myanmar -

Myanmar security forces opened fire on Buddhist monks and other pro-democracy demonstrators for the first time Wednesday, killing at least one man and wounding others in chaotic confrontations across the capital.

Dramatic images of the protests, many transmitted from the secretive Southeast Asian nation by dissidents using cell phones and the Internet, riveted world attention on the escalating faceoff between the junta and its opponents.

Clouds of tear gas and smoke from fires hung over streets, and defiant protesters and even bystanders pelted police with bottles and rocks in some places. Others helped monks escape arrest by bundling them into taxis and other vehicles and shouting "Go, go, go, run!"

The government said one man was killed when police opened fire during the ninth consecutive day of demonstrations, but dissidents outside Myanmar reported receiving news of up to eight deaths.

Some reports said the dead included monks, who are widely revered in Myanmar, and the emergence of such martyr figures could stoke public anger against the regime and escalate the violence.

more...

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/09/26/ap4160368.html

[LakeSamish706]

1. Now the US wants to us military force, this in my mind would be something...

to get involved in to save lives. This unelected Government in Myanmar should be brought down and the rightful ruler installed.

[PetrusMonsFormicarum]

2. What about Darfur?

n/t

[LakeSamish706]

3. I agree, Darfur should have been protected along time ago... But hey, these...

countries don't have oil, so you can forget it.

[Redstone]

4. Oh, fuck. I had high hopes that we'd be seeing a miracle.

Those rotten bastards in charge there will NEVER learn, will they?

Redstone

[kurth]

5. The generals' master: China

Unfortunately, China is not going to lift a finger to do anything.

Just like Tibet.

Just like Darfur.