COLAP strongly condemns Military coup in Myanmar COLAP strongly condemns the February 1st, 2021 Coup by the Myanmar military and the detention of National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Aung San Suu Kyi and its members.

Myanmar’s constitution allows the military officers to occupy 25% of the parliament seats; the NLD has been trying to amend this constitution. The coup’s background is that the military felt threatened by the NLD’s overwhelming victory in the general election in November 2020.

Overturn of the election results by violence is a grave challenge against the rule of law and democracy. In the 21st century, military rule is a legacy of the past. Many asylum seekers have fled Myanmar to neighboring Asian countries to escape the military regime. The Myanmar Constitution, which grants privileges to military personnel, should also be changed in the future.

After the coup, the mass demonstration against the military government is remarkably increasing all over Myanmar. The military government should respect freedom of political activity and the expression of people.

COLAP calls on governments in Asia to condemn the military coup and demand Aung San Suu Kyi and colleagues’ immediate release with reconsidering the diplomatic relationship with the military junta.

COLAP also demands the military government of Myanmar to respect the civil and political rights of the citizen that is the universal standard.

February 27th,2021