MYANMAR: Video illustrates violence and arrests suffered by Myanmar monks in junta's crackdown

Footage recently smuggled out of Myanmar shows the suppression of pro-democracy protests led by Buddhist monks in September. It illustrates how the monasteries generated the biggest challenge to Myanmar's military rulers in 20 years, and how the monks became the focus of the crackdown that followed. The video was shot by pro-democracy activists and obtained by journalist Yotam Feldman, who covered the demonstrations for Israel's Haaretz newspaper before authorities expelled him from Myanmar. On September 26th, Myanmar security forces used tear gas to disperse monks trying to enter Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda, the starting point for mass protests. Scores of monks were arrested and witnesses said that some were beaten as they were taken away. Hundreds more monks were then rounded up in overnight raids on at least 15 Yangon monasteries. One section of video shows the damage left by security forces. One recently released monk told Reuters that they were beaten and kept in animal-like conditions during days of interrogation. He requested anonymity because of the threat of repercussions against those who speak out against the regime. The monks have reported six of their brethren killed in the raids and clashes with riot police and soldiers. Through its rigidly controlled state media, the junta admits 10 people were killed in the crackdown, although Western governments say the toll is likely to be much higher.

ITN Source | October 14, 2007

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