Burma: UN warns of "severe consequences"

Youthful protesters are defying a military clampdown on opposition (Getty/BBC)

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Burma coup: UN warns Myanmar junta of "severe consequences"

(BBC) The UN (United Nations) has told Burma's (Myanmar's) military junta that "the right of peaceful assembly must fully be respected."

In a phone call, UN Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener warned that "any form of heavy handed response is likely to have severe consequences."

Access to the internet in Burma was restored on Tuesday morning after it had been cut off for a second night.

The military junta has been regularly blocking the web to try to stifle dissent since the February 1st coup.

Ms. Schraner Burgener's warning came during Monday's phone call with the junta's deputy head Soe Win, a UN spokesperson said.

The special envoy stressed that internet blackouts "undermine core democratic principles."

Protesters were out again early on Tuesday, with news agency Reuters reporting small groups gathering.

They have been encouraging civil servants to join the civil disobedience movement in the main city of Rangoon (Yangon).

Earlier, the military authorities announced stiff penalties for those opposing the coup leaders.

The junta says it overthrew elected leaders, including longtime democracy campaigner, Aung San Suu Kyi, due to alleged voter fraud. It has not provided any evidence to support these claims.

Why are they shutting down the internet?

For the love of Aung San Suu Kyi (BBC video)

The latest overnight shutdown follows a pattern aimed at disrupting continuing opposition to the coup and the detention of leaders, including Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party won a resounding victory last November.

Access to Facebook, a rallying point for a campaign of civil disobedience, was restricted soon after the coup. Use of Twitter and Instagram was also disrupted.

But activists also fear the blackout may be used to arrest more people. More + VIDEO