/ 20 October 2021

Myanmar junta eyes a seat at the ASEAN table

Image caption: Getty
Image caption: Getty

Since Myanmar’s military seized power in February, about 5,600 people have been arrested or are subject to arrest warrants for taking part in anti-coup protests. They will now be granted amnesty, with some released from detention yesterday. There’s no word yet on the fate of the country’s 7,300 political prisoners, including civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The military’s surprise move comes days after its leader General Min Aung Hlaing was blocked from attending a soon-to-be-held regional summit over his failure to commit to de-escalating unrest in the country. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members agreed last week to invite a “non-political representative” from Myanmar instead of the military leader. Commentators say that Hlaing – who blames the political opposition for the unrest – is looking to legitimise his regime. 

Know someone who'd be interested in this story? Click to share...

The Squiz Today

Your shortcut to being informed, we've got your news needs covered.

Get the Squiz Today newsletter

Quick, agenda-free news that doesn't take itself too seriously. Get on it.