Anti-coup protestors return to streets of southern Myanmar

Anti-coup protesters returned to the streets and rural by-ways of southern Myanmar on Monday, determined to keep public demonstrations going in the face of lethal threats from military forces who are trying to suppress the pro-democracy movement.

In Launglone Township near Dawei, a large group mounted motorbikes and rode through the villages of Pandale and Nyin Maw, red banners cracking in the breeze, as they sang and chanted slogans of resistance.

Meanwhile, in Dawei, students, teachers and engineers carried their message of defiance through the city on foot.

More than 700 protesters have been killed by security forces since the military junta took power in a coup on February 1, ousting the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.