Demonstrations against the removal and detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi held on Sunday, February 7th 2021 called for more protest and work stoppages on Monday, February 8th 2021.

CNA News reports the protests that swept the country on Sunday (02/07) were the biggest since 2007 Saffron Revolution led by Buddhist monks that helped democratic reforms. The gatherings have been peaceful, it is unlike bloody crackdowns in 1988 and 2007.

Work stoppages initiated by activist Min Ko Naing, a veteran of the demonstrations in 1988 which first brought Aung San Suu Kyi to prominence. “We request government staff from all departments not to attend work from Monday,” said Min Ko Naing.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the elected leader of Myanmar once won the Nobel Peace prize in 1991 for campaigning for democracy, and spent nearly 15 years under house arrest during decades of struggling to end almost half a century of army rule.

According to CNA News, Suu Kyi faces charges of illegally importing six walkie talkies and is being held in police detention for investigation until February 15th 2021. “I'm not allowed to see her,” said Suu Kyi’s lawyer.

The coup in Myanmar has drawn international condemnation. Thomas Andrews, the United Nations special rapporteur posted on Twitter how inspiring Myanmar people “Protesters in Myanmar continue to inspire the world as actions spread throughout the country”. “Myanmar is rising up to free all who have been detained and reject military dictatorship once and for all. We are with you” He continued.