FRANCE 24 EXCLUSIVE - BURMA
Crackdown in the heart of Burma
Friday 12 October 2007
Thousands of Buddhist monks and ordinary Burmese have defied threats and spoken out against more than 40 years of military rule.
Special Report Crackdown on Burmese protestsFriday 12 October 2007
By C. Payen, P. Rush, S. Kane27 September - Defying threats and warnings from the hardline military junta, angry protestors took to the streets of Rangoon. Memories of the 1988 crackdown have done little to deter the thousands marching through Burma's cities in 2007.
A reporter with links to undergound networks managed to make his way into Rangoon and witnessed a day of tragic events. For security reasons, his identity has been concealed.
The protests, aimed at ending 40 years of repression, are the biggest challenge of the junta in nearly 20 years.
During a crackdown on anti-government protestors, the junta unleashed baton charges, tear gas and live rounds. A Japanese journalist Kenji Nagai was shot down and succumbed to his wounds soon after.
Protestors across the street were heard screaming "You can't kill us all! We're going to fight to the very end", People want democracy."
Many protestors broke away from the crowds but were soon cornered as the junta began firing live shots. They're prepared to die "Pray! pray to conquer the fear of death!"
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