Updated Feb 9, 2021 - World

Myanmar police arrest protesters defying ban on gatherings

Rebecca Falconer

Myanmar police (in background) fire water cannon at protesters as they continue to demonstrate against the February 1 military coup in the capital Naypyidaw on February 9 — Myanmar police fire water cannon at protesters as they continue to demonstrate on Feb. 9 in the capital Naypyidaw. Photo: STR/AFP via Getty Images

Myanmar police on Tuesday arrested over two dozen protesters who defied a ban on large gatherings and fired water cannons during a fourth straight day of huge anti-coup demonstrations, per Reuters.

Why it matters: This week's protests, triggered by the army seizing power and detaining elected officials including leader Aung San Suu Kyi last week, are the biggest since 2007's "Saffron Revolution" that led to democratic reforms in the country.

Driving the news: The 2007 movement was led by saffron-robed monks, who are again playing a leading role in the latest peaceful protest movement of civil disobedience, along with health care workers, Reuters notes.

Their goal is to "abolish this military regime," a nurse from Yangon told the news outlet.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with more details, including the arrests.

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Myanmar police arrest protesters defying ban on gatherings

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