Explosion, self-immolation, and 'silent strikes' mark one year since Myanmar coup


Tuesday was the one-year anniversary of Myanmar's military coup, an occasion marked by a lethal explosion, an instance of self-immolation, and "silent strikes" by opponents of the governing junta, Reuters reports.
Those participating in the "silent strikes" remained at home and kept their businesses closed. According to Reuters, authorities warned that such activities could lead to arrest, imprisonment, and seizure of businesses, but the strikes still went forward, leaving streets eerily empty.
Some anti-government demonstrators did take to the streets, throwing red paint on the ground in what may have been intended as a protest against the junta's bloody crackdowns, which killed some 1,500 people in the aftermath of the coup, The Hill reported.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
According to Reuters, pro-junta groups also demonstrated to mark the anniversary. At one such gathering in an eastern border town, an explosion killed two people — including one soldier — and wounded 30 others, among them several veterans, local news said. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the explosion.
A man also reportedly set himself on fire in front of an electric company office in the central town of Kyaukpadaung. A local resident told Reuters the man survived but "is in serious condition."
The location he chose for his self-immolation may be linked to Myanmar's frequent power outages, which have grown more common since the coup. Multinational corporations have drawn back from the increasingly authoritarian nation, and several nations, including the United States and United Kingdom, have imposed sanctions on the regime.
The military deposed and arrested democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi last year. In December 2021, she was sentenced to four years in prison and remains on trial for other offenses that, according to Reuters, "carry a combined maximum sentence of more than 150 years."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Grayson Quay was the weekend editor at TheWeek.com. His writing has also been published in National Review, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Modern Age, The American Conservative, The Spectator World, and other outlets. Grayson earned his M.A. from Georgetown University in 2019.
-
How will the new Repayment Assistance Plan for student loans work?
the explainer The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) will replace existing income-driven repayment plans
-
In the Spotlight Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been at odds with US forces
-
Music reviews: Ethel Cain, Amaarae, and The Black Keys
Feature "Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You," "Black Star," and "No Rain, No Flowers"
-
Court says labor board's structure unconstitutional
Speed Read The ruling has broad implications for labor rights enforcement in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi
-
Feds seek harsh charges in DC arrests, except for rifles
Speed Read The DOJ said 465 arrests had been made in D.C. since Trump federalized law enforcement there two weeks ago
-
Trump taps Missouri AG to help lead FBI
Speed Read Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has been appointed FBI co-deputy director, alongside Dan Bongino
-
Trump warms to Kyiv security deal in summit
Speed Read Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Trump's support for guaranteeing his country's security 'a major step forward'
-
DC protests as Trump deployment ramps up
Speed Read Trump's 'crusade against crime' is targeting immigrants and the homeless
-
Ukraine, European leaders to meet Trump after Putin talks
Speed Read Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week
-
Border agents crash Newsom redistricting kickoff
Speed Read Armed federal Border Patrol agents amassed outside the venue where the California governor and other Democratic leaders were gathered
-
Man charged for hoagie attack as DC fights takeover
Speed Read The Trump administration filed felony charges against a man who threw a Subway sandwich at a federal agent