Myanmar Blocks Facebook As Resistance Grows To Military Coup

Myanmar’s new military government has blocked access to Facebook in the nation. The move comes amid growing calls for civil disobedience to protest the ousting of the elected government and its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Facebook users said service disruptions began late Wednesday night.

“Telecom providers in Myanmar have been ordered to temporarily block Facebook. We urge authorities to restore connectivity so that people in Myanmar can communicate with family and friends and access important information,” the social media giant said in a statement.

The military seized power shortly before a new session of Parliament was to convene on Monday and detained Ms. Suu Kyi and other top politicians.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said at least 147 people have been detained, including activists, lawmakers and officials from the ousted government.

The military said it acted because the government refused to address allegations of widespread voting irregularities in last November’s general election.

Suu Kyi’s party won the election in a landslide victory. The state Election Commission has refuted claims of voter fraud.

About 70 recently elected politicians defied the new military government on Thursday by convening a symbolic meeting of the Parliament that was prevented from opening.

They signed their oaths of office at a government guesthouse in the capital, Naypyitaw.

Some expressed their anger and their determination to resist the coup as they left.

“This violates the human rights of the whole citizenry. This is not a coup. This is treason against the government. I will have to say that this is state treason,” said Khin Soe Soe Kyi, a member of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party.

The military declared a one-year state of emergency and put all state powers into the hands of the junta, including legislative functions.

It said that at the end of that period it will call an election and turn over power to the winner.