As Myanmar’s military cracks down on innocent civilians, it is showing the world its true colors. The Tatmadaw (military) is a dictatorial force committed to oppression, exploitation and the silencing of dissent. Now is the time for countries around the world to defend Myanmar’s democracy — and Japan has an important opportunity to lead the region in securing an inclusive democratic future for Myanmar.
Across my homeland, brave people are exercising their right to protest peacefully and stand against tyranny. In response, military forces have escalated their attacks, opening fire into the crowds and using tear gas, flash bangs and stun grenades to terrorize, maim and kill demonstrators.
The military’s actions are appalling and shocking, but they are not surprising. Its excessive use of force is part of a decades-long pattern of abuse and oppression that has long gone unanswered. In the face of impunity for its assault on ethnic minorities like my own people — the Rohingya — the Tatmadaw has now trained its sights on the general population.