YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Myanmar's new military rulers signaled their intention to crack down on opponents of their takeover, issuing decrees that effectively banned peaceful public protests in the country's two biggest cities.
Police fired water cannons at hundreds of protesters in the capital who were demanding the military hand power back to elected officials.
The displays of defiance were striking in a country where past resistance to military rule has been met with deadly force.
The new restrictions ban rallies of more than five people and impose a nighttime curfew for areas of Yangon and Mandalay.
A protester in Monday's crowds in Yangon said: "We do not want the military junta. We never ever wanted this junta. Nobody wants it. All the people are ready to fight them."
According to The Associated Press, motorized processions, and gatherings and rallies of more than five people are banned.
A curfew of 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. was put into place in Yangon and Mandalay areas, The AP reported.