MYANMAR PROTESTS CONTINUE

Large crowds took to the streets of Myanmar for a sixth day on Thursday protesting last week's military coup, with some ethnic minorities joining in the demonstrations, according to a Kyodo News report.

Protesters once again defied a ban issued Monday on gatherings of more than four people, as well as a nighttime curfew on parts of the country, including the largest city Yangon, the capital Naypyitaw and the second-largest city Mandalay.

"We came out at our own risk to join the people. We have been through decades of fear in our lives, so I'd say we have to break free from our fears from now on for our next generations," said a 37-year-old male civil servant who asked to remain anonymous.

The Karen people, one of the largest ethnic minority groups in Myanmar, also gathered in Yangon, shouting slogans such as "Release the illegally detained leaders" and holding flags that read "End the dictatorship."

In Mandalay, Christian groups also joined in the protests chanting, "We need democracy."

The demonstrators are calling for power to be restored to the ousted civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi and are demanding that she and other detained party members of the formerly ruling National League for Democracy be released.

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