Footage shows supporters of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi cheering following elections in November last year which were disputed and have now lead to the leader being detained in military coup.

Supporters of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate filled the streets of the city to mark the ruling party’s success by wearing red shirts and waving flags on November 10 evening.

The leader Aung San Suu Ky won a landslide in 2015 and oversaw the country’s move away from military rule. However, she was also criticised by Western groups for her treatment of Rohingya Muslims.

The results of the November 2020 elections were also disputed and opposition groups criticised the country’s Election Commission (UEC) for allegedly undermining the poll.

Protests have gathered pace since the controversial elections before Myanmar’s military took control of the country and detained Aung San Suu Kyi and other politicians in the early hours of Monday morning (Feb 1).

Reacting to events, The White House said it was ‘alarmed’ by the developments in Myanmar, which is also known as Burma. Spokesman Jen Psaki said: ‘We continue to affirm our strong support for Burma’s democratic institutions.’ America called for Aung San Suu Kyi to be released and threatened to ‘take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed’.

Burma was governed by Britain from 1824 to 1948, during which time it became the second-wealthiest country in Southeast Asia but following independence was ruled by the military until 2011 when democratic reforms began.