Monks join Myanmar rally, demanding release of Suu Kyi

Influential religious figures pose dilemma for military touting Buddhism

20210217N Myanmar monks

Monks protest in Yangon on Feb. 16 with signs decrying the coup by Myanmar's military. © Reuters

Nikkei staff writers

BANGKOK -- Massive crowds gathered Wednesday on the streets of Yangon to protest against the Myanmar military's coup and demand the release of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, buoyed by the participation of influential monks the previous day.

Demonstrations in Myanmar's largest city had dwindled in size over the past several days amid intimidation by the military, but expanded sharply again on Wednesday.

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