Myanmar Coup: UN warns military of ‘severe consequences’

The United Nations has told Myanmar’s military junta that “the right of peaceful assembly must fully be respected”.

In a phone call, UN Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener warned that “any form of heavy-handed response is likely to have severe consequences”.

Access to the internet in Myanmar was restored on February 15(Tuesday) morning after it had been cut off for a second night.

The junta has been regularly blocking the web to try to stifle dissent since the February 1 coup.

The special envoy stressed that internet blackouts “undermine core democratic principles”.

Protesters were out again early on Tuesday, with news agency Reuters reporting small groups gathering.

They have been encouraging civil servants to join the civil disobedience movement in the main city of Yangon.

Earlier, the military authorities announced stiff penalties for those opposing the coup leaders.

The junta says it overthrew elected leaders, including longtime democracy campaigner, Aung San Suu Kyi, due to alleged voter fraud. It has not provided any evidence to support these claims.