Penrose Thitsa
Many people in Myanmar took part in a “Flower Strike” on Monday to commemorate the 78th birthday of detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and posted birthday wishes on Facebook, but the junta arrested dozens of participants.
Sources in Yangon said that more than 30 people, predominantly women, who wore flowers and carried flowers were arrested in Yangon on 19 June.
From the morning, junta soldiers and police in Yangon started inspections and arrests targeting participants of the Flower Strike.
About 30 women from Pabaedan, Kamayut and Tarmway townships in Yangon were arrested for their involvement in the flower strike, a women rights activist told Mizzima.
Among the 30 or so women, 13 were employees of the Thamadi Gold Shop located in Pabaedan Township in Yangon.
On the other hand, some female participants in Yangon who were examined by the junta police or soldiers managed to evade arrest.
A female participant from Sanchaung Township in Yangon who was examined by the junta’s troops told Mizzima: “They inquired about the meaning of the roses I was holding. As I was near my shop at the time, I gestured towards it and explained that the flowers were intended for offering to the Buddha image in my shop.”
Sources in Yangon said that among those arrested for their involvement in Suu Kyi’s birthday activities in Yangon were individuals who expressed birthday wishes for Aung San Suu Kyi on Facebook, including a man.
According to residents in Mawlamyine, Mon State, three individuals residing in a house near Shwe Myaing Thiri Market were arrested by the police in the city, as they were distributing flower seedlings to passers-by on 19 June.
Mawlamyine residents said that the house where the arrests took place is an orchid seedlings shop. On the morning of 19 June, they were seen distributing the seedlings to pedestrians and shoppers, with the scene being live streamed on Facebook.
On social media, there are reports that three actresses - Poe Kyar Phyu Khin, Khin Wint Wa, and Moe Pyae Pyae Maung - have been arrested due to their Facebook posts commemorating Aung San Suu Kyi's birthday. Radio Free Asia (RFA) Burmese edition stated that sources within the Myanmar entertainment industry informed them [RFA] about Poe Kyar Phyu Khin's arrest, but they were unable to verify the arrests of the other actresses.
Several of the arrested individuals across Myanmar have been released shortly after signing a pledge, while others face charges; however, the precise number of arrests across Myanmar for participating in the flower strike and the current situation following these arrests remains unconfirmed at this time.
Concerning the pledges, individuals are required to sign an agreement stating their commitment to refrain from engaging in any future political activities.
