The protest in Mandalay took place even though security forces have shown little reluctance to use lethal force to break up crowds. The protesters have adapted their tactics in response to escalating violence from security forces, including the firing of live ammunition at crowds. It announced that the licences of five local media outlets, Mizzima, DVB, Khit Thit Media, Myanmar Now and 7Day News, had been cancelled. The offices of Myanmar Now were raided by the authorities on Monday before the measure was announced. “By stripping five independent media outlets of their licenses to operate, the Myanmar military junta is resorting to the tactics of its dictatorial past to suppress information,” said the group’s deputy Asia director, Phil Robertson.

Source: Irish Independent March 09, 2021 11:28 UTC