Launceston's Burmese community has gathered to call on the Australian government, and government agencies across the globe, to get more heavily involved in the situation in Myanmar.
About four weeks ago the military in Myanmar overthrew the democratically elected government - the leaders of which have not been seen since.
The move sparked a wave of protests in the country which had only had democracy for about 10 years.
Speaking to a crowd gathered, of about 50 people, in Launceston's Civic Square on Saturday, Dr Thu Zar Than called on the Australian government, and other government agencies worldwide, to intervene through economic and military action.
She said they had gathered because the young democratic system in Myanmar had been crushed.
"[The] future of millions of people over there is going to be broken as we experienced over six decades," Dr Zar Than said.
Dr Zar Than went on to detail the tyranny of the military junta saying they treat civilians like slaves. She said people were not allowed to discuss politics, even in their own house, for fear of being tortured or killed.
REALTED: World reacts to coup in Myanmar
"They can do what they want regardless of rule of law, humanity or ethics. They don't care at all. They are doing brutal actions more and more even though United Nations, United States of America, Australia and United Kingdoms and the whole world is condemning them and warning them," Dr Zar Than said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"They are showing that they don't care at all. So we are here today to appeal to Australian government and other governmental organisations in this world and organisations around the world, who value justice, democracy and humanity, to take action seriously and immediately in order to stop military coup.
"In both ways of economic and military action before many civilians over there are dead or injured."
Overnight Australia's Ambassador to the United Nations Mitch Fifield called on the military junta to respect the rule of law and immediately release the democratic leaders they had detained.
"Australia is deeply concerned about the situation in Myanmar. As a long standing supporter of Myanmar's democratic transition and its peace process we call on the military to respect the rule of law," he said while addressing the general assembly.
"We offer our condolences for the recent loss of life. The use of lethal force and violence against civilians is unacceptable. We strongly urge security forces to exercise restraint in response to peaceful protests."
Earlier this week Australia's second highest ranking military officer also urged the top member of Myanmar's military to respect the rule of law.
During a phone call on Monday, which was the first interaction between senior officials of either nation since the military coup, Vice Chief of the Australian Defence Force David Johnston called on Deputy Commander-in Chief of the Myanmar military Soe Win to release Australian professor Sean Turnell who was detained on February 6.
Jackson Worthington
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
