Myanmar Protest March Led By Monks Draws up to 100,000

Marching against a militaristic government that has brought economic hardship upon its citizens nearly 100,000 people led by thousands of monks marched through Yangon, Myanmar on Monday in protest.

While the protests have centered on rising fuel prices it was evident that the marchers were out to display an overall dissatisfaction with the oppressive style of the current government.

Over the past 20 years the government has done everything they could to keep the spread of democracy in check. Respected political activist Aung San Suu Kyi has been imprisoned and placed under house arrest on numerous occasions. The 62-year-old made her first public appearance from her house on Monday but police quickly blocked off access to her street.

The protesters were calling for freedom for political prisoners as well as more aid from the government in supplying the basics in life, food, shelter and clothing.

Many speculate that the only thing keeping the Myanmar government from taking military action is the Chinese government. China is a well known supporter of the Myanmar junta and with the 2008 Olympics set for Beijing next summer there is a fear of negative images growing from the situation.

Because of this the Myanmar leaders and police force have allowed the protestors an unusual amount of freedom in their march.

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