The United States voiced concern Monday at the arrest of and charges against peaceful protesters in Myanmar after a protest over educational reform, and called for their release.
More than 60 demonstrators were brought to a court hearing in the central town of Letpadan on Wednesday, two weeks after baton-wielding police violently quelled their rally for education reform in scenes that sparked fears of a return to junta-era repression.
"We call for the immediate, unconditional release of all individuals being detained in the country as a result of exercising their right to peacefully assemble," State Department acting spokeswoman Marie Harf said in a statement.
But some observers fear these are stalling as the country heads toward a landmark election later this year.
"Transparency, accountability and justice are vital for the Burmese government's expressed goals of social stability, peace and democracy," she added.
Students have rallied in Myanmar for months to call for changes to a new education law, including decentralizing the school system, allowing student unions and teaching in ethnic minority languages.
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