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October 11, 2008 5:42:11 AM CDT

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Relentless Myanmar Junta Pursues Reprisals

Posted Oct 4, 07 4:38 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Burma's military junta is continuing to exact a harsh revenge on pro-democracy activists, despite an end to large-scale demonstrations. In the wake of a recent visit by a UN special envoy, the government is disregarding calls for restraint and continuing to round up and beat monks, nuns and civilians. Last night soldiers arrested dozens of people who tried to prevent a raid on a monastery.

Japanese officials, meanwhile, considered what action to take against the junta in the shooting death last week of a Japanese journalist whose body was returned to Japan yesterday.  Authorities will conduct an autopsy on the 50-year-old video journalist as part of a murder investigation. Officials have indicated they may suspend $4.3 million in aid to Burma.

Sources: Reuters, CNN, Reuters

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A soldier patrols Yangon's landmark Shwedagon Pagoda as it reopens on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007. After days of delays, Myanmar's reclusive junta leader, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, finally granted an audience...   (Associated Press)
A monk walks in downtown Yangon, Myanmar Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. Myanmar's military government stepped up its propaganda machine Thursday, calling foreign critics of its crackdown "liars" and filling...   (Associated Press)
Myanmar junta leader Sen. Gen. Than Shwe attends Armed Forces Day ceremonies in Yangon, in this March 27, 2005, file photo. Pro-democracy demonstrators by the thousands may be willing to sacrifice themselves...   (Associated Press)
Soldiers guard a street near the Sule Pagoda which was the site of past protests in Yangon, Myanmar, Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007. The former capital remains quiet for the past few days after troops and police...   (Associated Press)
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