Misplaced Pages

#312687

53-562: Construction of the Buddha began on 14 June 2020, and was announced in state-run newspapers in the aftermath of the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état . The image's name Maravijaya, literally means "to conquer Mara (မာန်နတ်)." Ongoing construction was overseen by allies of the military junta, Ashin Chekinda and Sitagu Sayadaw . State-run media was used to solicit donations from the public for the ongoing project, which cost US$ 27.6 million . Close associates of

106-670: A Pyithu Hluttaw , lower house seat in Pathein constituency, and going on to become secretary of parliament’s rule of law committee. In the 2015 Myanmar general election , he was elected as Pyithu Hluttaw MP for Tamwe Township . He served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Myanmar from 2016 to 2018. Following the resignation of Htin Kyaw as President of Myanmar , Win Myint resigned as Speaker of

159-610: A United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the coup. China and Russia are reportedly the main suppliers of weapons to the Myanmar Army. Chinese foreign direct investment in Myanmar totalled $ 19 billion in 2019, compared with $ 700 million from the EU. The Financial Times argues that Russia is supportive of the junta in order to sell more arms to them. Israel has been known to supply small arms, drones, patrol boats and spyware to

212-646: A buddhābhiṣeka ceremony attended by 900 monks, coinciding with the full moon day of Waso . In a sermon during the ceremony, the Kyaukme Sayadaw, Candanasāra, distilled the essence of Buddhism into three short phrases using a three-finger gesture , appearing to indirectly criticise the military junta for violating these fundamental precepts. That same day, Min Aung Hlaing removed Ko Ko, the incumbent minister for religion and culture from his post, citing 'health reasons.' The statue's attributes are closely connected with

265-615: A military coup d'état , Win Myint was detained along with fellow parliament members including the State Counsellor and party leader , Aung Sun Suu Kyi , in Naypyidaw . Win Myint was removed from office and replaced by Vice-President Myint Swe as acting head of state. Later on 4 February 2021, Win Myint was charged for violating rules banning gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic . Trial hearings commenced on 16 February. On 11 October,

318-494: A "vanity project" of Min Aung Hlaing , the junta's leader, and seen as a way for him to gain public legitimacy, as a protector and promoter of Buddhism, to whitewash his legacy, and to prolong his rule. Previous military juntas have constructed similar temples, including the marble Kyauktawgyi Buddha in Yangon. Min Aung Hlaing specifically constructed a new road to visit the construction site, in order to bypass Naypyidaw Prison , which

371-532: A Naypyidaw judge formally indicted Win Myint under Section 25 of the Disaster Management Law, which carries a maximum three-year prison sentence. During Win Myint's testimony on 12 October, he revealed that on 1 February in the lead-up to the coup, two senior military generals had attempted to force him to resign , under the guise of " ill health ." On 6 December 2021, Win Myint and Suu Kyi were both sentenced to 4 years in jail. As of 21 January 2024,

424-684: A government housing complex in Naypyidaw. Following the coup, the NLD arranged for the MPs to remain housed in the complex until 6 February. Social media users began calling on MPs to convene a parliamentary session within a government guesthouse, since the group met the Constitution's quorum requirements. In response, the military issued another order giving MPs 24 hours to leave the guesthouse premises. On 4 February 70 NLD MPs took an oath of office , in clear defiance of

477-617: A mandatory retirement age of 65 for the Armed Forces' Commander-in-Chief. Min Aung Hlaing , the incumbent, would have been forced to retire on his 65th birthday in July 2021. Further, the Constitution empowers solely the President, in consultation with the National Defence and Security Council , with the authority to appoint Min Aung Hlaing's successor, which could have provided an opportunity for

530-523: A member of parliament in the House of Representatives ( Pyithu Hluttaw ) from 2012 to 2018. Win Myint was viewed as an important ally and of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi , who served as the head of government. Win Myint was born in Nyaung Chaung Village, Danubyu , Ayeyarwady Region , Burma to parents Tun Kyin and Daw Than. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from

583-521: Is also on the Naypyidaw Ring Road. 2021 Myanmar coup d%27%C3%A9tat Military coup d'état successful [REDACTED] Government of Myanmar [REDACTED]   Tatmadaw Bombings and attacks Coup d'états Protests Anti-Muslim violence Related topics A coup d'état in Myanmar began on the morning of 1 February 2021, when democratically elected members of

SECTION 10

#1733094411313

636-467: The 2008 Constitution of Myanmar was drafted. Between 2011 and 2015, a tentative democratic transition began, and elections held in 2015 resulted in a victory for Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). However, the military retained substantial power, including the right to appoint 1 ⁄ 4 of all parliament members. The 2021 coup occurred in the aftermath of

689-437: The 8888 Uprising , and has been described by some who have met him as rather a closed book. Out of jail in time for the 1990 Myanmar general election , which the military later nullified, he ran successfully for Ayeyarwady Region ’s Danubyu Township , winning a majority of 20,388 (56% of the votes), but was never allowed to assume his seat. Win Myint resumed his political career in the 2012 Myanmar by-elections , winning

742-532: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had released US$ 372 million in cash loans to the Central Bank of Myanmar , as part of an emergency aid package, to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic . The funds came with no conditions, and without any precedent for refunds. In response to potential concerns regarding proper use of the funds by the military regime, an IMF spokesperson stated "It would be in

795-711: The November 2020 general election invalid and stated its intent to hold a new election at the end of the state of emergency . The coup d'état occurred the day before the Parliament of Myanmar was to swear in the members elected in the 2020 election , thereby preventing this from occurring. President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi were detained, along with ministers, their deputies , and members of Parliament . On 1 February 2021, Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi were arrested on charges that independent analysts regarded as part of an attempt to legitimize

848-532: The Rangoon Arts and Science University . Win Myint is married to Cho Cho and the couple has one daughter, Phyu Phyu Thin, a senior advisor of City Mart Holdings . After graduating in geology from Rangoon Arts and Science University , Win Myint became a High Court senior lawyer in 1981 and become a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Myanmar . In 1985, he became a High Court advocate. He was jailed for his role in

901-554: The United Kingdom , France , the United States , and Australia . On 1 February 2021, NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt said that Aung San Suu Kyi , Win Myint , Han Tha Myint , and other party leaders had been "taken" in an early morning raid. Myo Nyunt added that he expected to be also detained shortly. Numerous communications channels stopped working – phone lines to the capital, Naypyidaw , were interrupted, state-run MRTV said it

954-557: The United Nations list of Heads of State, Heads of Government, and Ministers for Foreign Affairs of all Member States continues to list Win Myint as President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar . On 16 April 2024, the military announced that Win Myint had been transferred to house arrest due to a heat wave. However, pro-democracy publications such as The Irrawaddy claimed that there

1007-496: The general election on 8 November 2020, in which the NLD won 396 out of 476 seats in parliament, an even larger margin of victory than in the 2015 election. The military's proxy party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party , won only 33 seats. The army disputed the results, claiming that the vote was fraudulent. The coup attempt had been rumored for several days, prompting statements of concern from Western nations such as

1060-512: The Export and Import Law, for allegedly importing unlicensed communications devices used by her security detail, after conducting a raid on her home in the capital. The Export and Import Law carries a potential prison term of 3 years and/or a fine, and was previously used in 2017 to prosecute journalists for flying a drone above the Assembly of the Union. Meanwhile, Win Myint was charged with violating

1113-470: The Myanmar military. On 27 September 2017, an Israeli court issued an order banning Israeli arms industries from exporting weapons to Myanmar. Despite the ban order, Myanmar military received training and weapons from Israeli defence companies. Myanmar army officers continued their visits to Israeli arms shows. The Myanmar military government did not attend the 27 October 2021 East Asia Summit . The United States and ASEAN (chaired by Brunei ) criticised

SECTION 20

#1733094411313

1166-516: The NLD, activists, and a former general. On 13 February 2021, a viral post online showed that the military-run Ministry of Information (MOI) pressured the press not to use the words " junta " and " regime " in the media in the military's first attempt to restrict the freedom-of-press. The military regime issued an arrest warrant for seven well-known activists and influencers including Min Ko Naing for "using their fame to spread writing and speaking on

1219-696: The Natural Disaster Management Law, specifically for waving at a passing NLD convoy in September 2020, thereby violating rules against election campaigning during the COVID-19 pandemic . On 6 February 2021, Sean Turnell , the Australian economic advisor to the civilian government, was arrested. On 8 February 2021 and 9 February 2021, the military government issued orders to impose curfew from 8:00   pm to 4:00   am in Yangon and other major cities and restrict gatherings of 5 or more people in

1272-468: The Pyithu Hluttaw on 21 March 2018, a move seen by many as a preparation by the National League for Democracy for Win Myint to be put forward as a candidate for the presidency. Win Myint was succeeded by his deputy T Khun Myat . The Pyithu Hluttaw confirmed the election of Win Myint as the House of Representatives ' nominee for Vice-President on 23 March 2018, paving the way for Win Myint to enter

1325-498: The civilian arm of the government to appoint a more reform-minded military officer as Commander-in-Chief. Hlaing's lack of power would have exposed him to potential prosecution and accountability for alleged war crimes during the Rohingya conflict in various international courts. Min Aung Hlaing had also hinted a potential entry into politics as a civilian, after his retirement. The activist group Justice for Myanmar has also noted

1378-405: The country following the announcement. On 10 January 2022, Aung San Suu Kyi was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison for possessing walkie-talkies in her home and for violating COVID-19 protocols. On 1 August 2022, Myanmar junta's extended the state of emergency for another six months, after the leader Min Aung Hlaing 's request to "serve for an additional 6 months". The decision

1431-454: The country's ruling party , the National League for Democracy (NLD), were deposed by the Tatmadaw , Myanmar's military, which then vested power in a military junta . Acting President of Myanmar Myint Swe proclaimed a year-long state of emergency and declared power had been transferred to Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing . It declared the results of

1484-475: The country's National Disaster Law. On 17 February 2021, the military issued arrest warrants on six more celebrities for urging civil servants to join the civil disobedience movement. On 26 February 2021, the Myanmar ambassador to the United Nations , Kyaw Moe Tun , condemned the coup by the Tatmadaw. He was sacked from his post the next day. On the same day, a Japanese freelance journalist named Yuki Kitazumi

1537-492: The country. Dubbed the 8888 Uprising , the civil unrest was sparked by economic mismanagement, leading Ne Win to step down. In September 1988, the military's top leaders formed the State Law and Order Restoration Council ( SLORC ), which then seized power. Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of General Aung San , the country's founder, became a notable pro-democracy activist during this period. In 1990, free elections were allowed by

1590-454: The coup, the civilian-appointed Union Election Commission had categorically rejected the military's claims of voter fraud, citing the lack of evidence to support the military's claims of 8.6 million irregularities in voter lists across Myanmar's 314 townships. The coup may have been driven by the military's goal to preserve its central role in Burmese politics. The Defence Services Act imposes

1643-576: The coup. During the coup, soldiers also detained several Buddhist monks who had led the 2007 Saffron Revolution , including the Myawaddy Sayadaw and Shwe Nyar War Sayadaw , outspoken critics of the military. 8888 Uprising activist leaders, including Mya Aye , were also arrested. As of 4 February, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners had identified 133 officials and lawmakers and 14 civil society activists in detention by

Maravijaya Buddha - Misplaced Pages Continue

1696-605: The election process for the next President of Myanmar . Win Myint defeated Union Solidarity and Development Party 's candidate Thaung Aye with 273 votes to the latter's 27. Win Myint was elected as the 10th President of Myanmar by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (a combined meeting of the two houses of the national legislature) on 28 March 2018, with 403 out of 636 lawmakers voting for him. On 17 April 2018, Win Myint granted amnesty to 8,500 prisoners, including 51 foreigners and 36 political prisoners. On 1 February 2021, during

1749-577: The firewall were widely circulated among Myanmar social media users, which prompts protestors to demonstrate outside the Chinese Embassy. China denied the news as rumours. On 10 February 2021, civil servants at Kayah State protested against the coup, which also included police officers stationed there when they refused orders from their superior to return to work. On 12 February 2021, at midnight, members of Myanmar's military and police arrested government ministers, election officials, senior members of

1802-544: The interests of the government, and certainly the people of Myanmar that those funds are indeed used accordingly." The IMF did not directly address any concerns regarding the independence of the Central Bank, given the military's appointment of Than Nyein, an ally, as governor. On 16 September, the IMF acknowledged it was unable to ascertain whether the military regime was using the funds as intended (i.e., "to tackle COVID and support

1855-501: The junta forces and 26,234 individuals have been arrested. In March 2021, three prominent members of the National League for Democracy ( NLD ) died in police custody, and in July 2022, the junta executed four pro-democracy activists. In honour of the anniversary for Myanmar's 76th year of independence in January 2024, more than 9,000 prisoners are slated to receive amnesty , leading to their release from prison. In February 2024, it

1908-406: The junta's treatment of political prisoners, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen described Myanmar's decision to skip the summit as "regrettable". US President Joe Biden stated: "[…] We must address the tragedy caused by the military coup which is increasingly undermining regional stability," and called for the "military regime to end the violence, release all political prisoners and return to

1961-531: The military as a result of the coup. Soldiers were seen in Naypyidaw and the largest city, Yangon . The military subsequently announced on military-controlled Myawaddy TV that it had taken control of the country for one year. A statement signed by Acting President Myint Swe declared that responsibility for "legislation, administration and judiciary" had been transferred to Min Aung Hlaing . The National Defence and Security Council – chaired by acting president Myint Swe and attended by top military officers –

2014-482: The military formed a temporary caretaker government at the behest of U Nu , the country's democratically elected prime minister, to resolve political infighting. The military voluntarily restored civilian government after holding the 1960 Burmese general election . Less than two years later, the military seized power in the 1962 coup , which under the leadership of General Ne Win , precipitated 26 years of military rule . In 1988, nationwide protests broke out in

2067-633: The military's seizure of power. Both were remanded in custody for two weeks. Between 16 February and 1 April, five additional charges were leveled against Aung San Suu Kyi. Armed insurgencies by the People's Defence Force of the National Unity Government erupted throughout Myanmar in response to the military government 's crackdown on anti-coup protests . As of 13 March 2024, at least 50,000 people, including at least 8,000 civilians (570 of whom were children), have been killed by

2120-405: The military, including businessmen and high-ranking retired military officers, contributed 33 billion kyats (est. US$ 10 million) to the project. In March 2023, the Buddha's image was reportedly seen "crying", as stripes appeared beneath the statue's eyes, prompting the junta to cover its face and bar visitors and photographs of the statue. On 1 August 2023, the statue was officially consecrated in

2173-419: The military, under the assumption that the military enjoyed popular support. Ultimately, the elections resulted in a landslide victory for Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). However, the military refused to cede power and placed her under house arrest. The military remained in power for another 22 years until 2011, following the military's roadmap to democracy , during which

Maravijaya Buddha - Misplaced Pages Continue

2226-578: The most vulnerable people.") Myanmar's Ministry of Planning and Finance did not respond to a request for comment on how funds had been appropriated. A lobbyist for the military junta reported that the junta would like to improve relations with the United States and distance Myanmar from China, believing Myanmar had grown too close to China under Aung San Suu Kyi. China is depicted in Western media as having hegemony over Myanmar. China and Russia vetoed

2279-410: The number nine, which is considered auspicious in Burmese numerology.The image's combined weight of 5,292 tons has numerological significance, as the individual digits can add up to nine, while the throne's height of 18 feet (5.5 m) and statue's height of 63 feet (19 m) also add up to the number nine. The statue is also surrounded by 720 stone stupas. The project has been criticised for being

2332-562: The outlets were prohibited from publishing and broadcasting in any type of media and by using any sort of technology. On 9 March 2021, Kyaw Zwar Minn , the Burmese ambassador to the United Kingdom, was recalled after he called for release of Aung San Suu Kyi. On 18 October 2021, Min Aung Hlaing announced the release of 5,636 prisoners jailed for protesting against the coup. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners , more than 7,300 protesters remained imprisoned across

2385-468: The path of democracy." Win Myint Win Myint ( Burmese : ဝင်းမြင့် ; MLCTS : wang: mrang. [wɪ́ɰ̃ mjɪ̰ɰ̃] ; born 8 November 1951) is a Burmese politician who served as the 10th president of Myanmar from 2018 to 2021. Win Myint was removed from office in the 2021 coup d'état . He was the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Myanmar from 2016 to 2018. He also served as

2438-490: The public spaces. On 9 February 2021, the NLD's headquarters in Yangon was raided by Myanmar police . Myanmar's military regime distributed a draft for the controversial Cyber Security Law to internet service providers, asking them to provide comments by 15 February 2021. The law was widely criticised by IT communities as it violates human rights by putting citizens under digital surveillance and severely restricting freedom of speech. News of China's involvement in building

2491-469: The significant financial and business interests of Min Aung Hlaing and his family as a potential motivating factor for the coup. Min Aung Hlaing oversees two military conglomerates, the Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC) and Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL), while his daughter, son, and daughter-in-law have substantial business holdings in the country. A few days before the coup,

2544-437: The social media that would disturb the nation's peace process". On 15 February 2021, the military deployed armoured vehicles across the cities, in an attempt to silence the demonstrations in the country. Thousands of protestors in different cities across Myanmar had been calling for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. On 16 February, as protests continued, Aung San Suu Kyi was given a new criminal charge on allegations of violating

2597-432: Was announced that compulsory military service would be implemented. All men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 were required to serve up to two years under military command and specialists such as doctors aged up to 45 were to serve for three years. Myanmar, also known as Burma , has been beset with political instability since it was granted independence from the United Kingdom in January 1948. Between 1958 and 1960,

2650-612: Was convened, following which a statement was issued by the military declaring that fresh elections would be held, and that power would only be transferred after they had concluded. The military also announced the removal of 24 ministers and deputies, for whom 11 replacements were named . On 2 February 2021, Min Aung Hlaing established the State Administration Council , with 11 members, as the executive governing body. On 3 February 2021, Myanmar police filed criminal charges against Aung San Suu Kyi, accusing her of violating

2703-528: Was detained by Myanmar officers at the Sanchaung township police station, but he was released hours later after Kitazumi explained that he clearly identified himself as a reporter. On 8 March 2021, state-controlled channel MRTV announced that the Ministry of Information revoked the licences for five local media outlets: Mizzima , Myanmar Now , DVB , 7 Day News , and Khit Thit Media . The announcement stated that

SECTION 50

#1733094411313

2756-597: Was unable to broadcast due to "technical issues", and widespread Internet disruptions were reported beginning around 3 a.m. The military disrupted cellular services throughout the country, mirroring "kill switch" tactics previously employed in combat zones in Chin and Rakhine states. All the member banks under the Myanmar Banking Association suspended their financial services. Around 400 elected members of parliament (MPs) were placed under house arrest, confined to

2809-447: Was unanimously taken by the junta's National Defence and Security Council . Armed insurgencies by the People's Defence Force of the National Unity Government have erupted throughout Myanmar in response to the military government's crackdown on anti-coup protests. The military's motives for the coup remain unclear. Ostensibly, the military has posited that alleged voter fraud threatened national sovereignty . A few days before

#312687