(Reuters) – Myanmar’s military rulers threatened to imprison anyone who takes part in a silent strike on Tuesday. Activists urged people to remain indoors, and businesses to shut down in protest at the anniversary of the army taking power.

Myanmar’s Nobel-Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi (and other NLD party members) were taken into police custody and charged by the junta with rigging the 2020 elections.

The protests against Suu Kyi’s government last year triggered massive street demonstrations. But the violent crackdown left hundreds dead, and the creation of people’s defense forces was necessary to counter the armies that were well-equipped.

Recent actions taken by activists to urge people to strike include staging protests in flash mobs and distributing leaflets.

If we’re lucky, we might end up in prison and be taken into custody. “We might be tortured or killed if it is not so lucky,” said Nan Lin, a youth activist. She hopes that the strike will convey a strong message about the junta.

One group claimed to be coordinating strikes and asked the international community for recognition of a shadow Myanmar government. They also requested that a no-fly area in conflict areas be established and an arms embargo placed on the junta.

An official for the ruling military didn’t respond to calls seeking comments.

The military put up signs in Myitkyina warning residents to not join the demonstration.

A photograph posted to social media showed a sign that read “Those who take part in silent protest will face punishment according to these laws.”

The sentence list included prison sentences ranging from 20 to three years for high treason and counter-terrorism.

INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE

Antonio Guterres (UN Secretary-General) urged the junta ahead of the anniversary of the coup to grant more humanitarian access.

Farhan Haq (his deputy spokesperson) stated that the multiple vulnerabilities faced by all citizens in Myanmar, as well as its implications for regional security require urgent action.

The U.N. has been accused by the junta of bias and interference. However, international pressure is being applied to them despite sanctions and a company retreat from Myanmar.

The economy has tanked since the coup, and ordinary Myanmar citizens have been experiencing more difficulties with frequent power outages, fearful of detention, and Internet restrictions.

According to an activist group, the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners, security forces killed or detained at most 1,500 civilians, and released 11,838 others since the coup. According to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners, an activist group cited by U.N., security forces have killed at least 1,500 civilians and arrested 11,838 since the coup.

Suu Kyi (76) is currently being tried in more than one dozen cases. These sentences combine maximum sentence of over 150 years imprisonment.

A diplomatic initiative led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has failed. The failure of the junta to honor its promise to cease hostilities, and support dialogue, frustrated prominent members including Singapore.

It stated in a statement commemorating the anniversary that Myanmar’s conditions for people are continuing to decline. The foreign ministry demanded Suukyi and other political prisoners be released.

“Singapore remains gravely concerned about Myanmar’s current situation, and is disappointed at the inability to make progress.”