Myanmar sees 'blue shirt' protests over detentions, junta outlaws unity govt

This handout photo taken and released by Dawei Watch on April 20, 2021 shows protesters holding flowers as they march in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei. - AFP

YANGON (Reuters): Myanmar anti-coup activists launched protests on Wednesday (April 21) calling for the release of prisoners detained by the junta, as the military government declared a National Unity Government formed by its opponents was illegal.

The Southeast Asian country has been in crisis since the military seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on Feb 1, with almost daily protests against the coup occurring despite a brutal crackdown by the junta on dissent.