European leaders on Monday condemned the military’s seizure of power in Myanmar and called for the release of all those detained overnight.
Myanmar’s army declared a state of emergency, detaining civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi as well as other members of the country’s ruling National League for Democracy party in a series of dawn raids. The military claimed it was acting in response to “fraud” in last year’s election, which the party had won.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and the EU’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell all condemned the coup.
“The legitimate civilian government must be restored, in line with the country’s constitution & the November elections. I call for the immediate & unconditional release of all those detained,” von der Leyen wrote on Twitter.
European Parliament President David Sassoli echoed their call for the release of all detainees, adding: “Election results must be respected and democracy restored.”
National governments across the Continent also condemned the military’s actions. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The vote of the people must be respected and civilian leaders released.” Foreign ministries in Germany, Spain, Belgium, Norway, Turkey and more also expressed concern.
In the early hours of Monday, the United States warned Myanmar’s military leaders that it would “take action” if the coup was not reversed.
Suu Kyi, meanwhile, called on her supporters to protest against the coup, the BBC reported.
November’s election, which her party won decisively while the military-backed opposition got fewer votes than expected, was only the second democratic vote since the end of military rule in 2011.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Suu Kyi spent 15 years under house arrest while the army ruled Myanmar, becoming an icon of the struggle for democracy. In recent years, however, her international reputation has become tarnished, with many accusing her of doing nothing as the military committed atrocities against the country’s Rohingya minority.
Stuart Lau contributed reporting.
