Police repression of workers' struggles in "democratic" Myanmar

"Police have used force to crack down on the worker protest march from Sagaing’s Myanmar Veneer Plywood Private Limited (MVPPL) on May 18. The protesters were awaiting the arrival of Nay Pyi Taw’s council chairman Dr Myo Aung at the entrance of Tatkon when a disagreement broke out with the police... According to Nay Pyi Taw police superintendent Ko Ko Aung: “We have already made it clear that this protest is an illegal gathering under Sections 127 and 128 of the penal code. It has no legal permission. The council chairman was waiting in Tatkon to negotiate with the protest leaders but they rejected the offer and no negotiations worked. They then attempted to go past the blockade so we took action. “There are a couple of protesters that incited and instigated the action. They will be investigated and charged.” ... Protesters claimed an unnecessary amount of force was used. “The police beat and arrested us. People in civilian clothing also joined in to beat us. Women were also beaten. A girl might die,” said a detained protester from one of the police vans... “We were brutally beaten and arrested under the administration of a civilian government that we voted for. Should this happen? Is this fair?” shouted protest leader Khine Min from inside a police vehicle."

"Police break worker protest," Eleven Media, 19 May 2016

"Around 50 factory workers and activists involved in a protest march in Myanmar... have been charged with rioting... The protesters had been blocked by police as they tried to march into the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, on Wednesday, resulting in scuffles. They were demanding union recognition and for fired workers to be re-hired. The new government has been discussing amending military-era laws allowing police to clamp down on such protests."

"Myanmar charges 50 with rioting after protest march," BBC, 20 May 2016

"They are being charged under Articles 143 and 145, 147 and 505(b) ... for joining in or continuing an unlawful assembly and rioting,” said Colonel Ko Ko Aung of the Naypyidaw police told RFA’s Myanmar Service. The first three articles pertain to participating in an unlawful assembly, refusing to obey police and causing disorder, while Article 505(b) of the penal code pertains to disturbing public order... The current law passed in 2012 under the previous military-backed government requires those planning demonstrations to obtain permission from local authorities five days in advance and to provide details about their planned activities."

"Myanmar Police Charge Workers Involved in Labor Rights Protest," RFA, 20 May 2016