"It is not about Fear!"
A month before the tragic murder of four democracy activists, I spoke with Han Htoo Khant Paing about the planned death sentences that had been issued from military authorities. At that point, we were still hopeful that the execution could be avoided, and our podcast conversation was part of the overall advocacy work we were doing to bring the issue to wider attention and hope to enlist greater international support to somehow spare their lives. Sadly, as we all know by now, that did not happen, and the military regime killed these men in cold blood, following a prolonged period of torture. In the following excerpt, Han Htoo speculated about how these executions might impact wider Burmese society, and the overall democracy movement.
“It is true that there are so many fearless people in Myanmar, who have proven themselves as heroes, as champions of the country’s cause for democracy.”
“If the military is expecting fear, it could be that their action would be counterproductive and produce more determination. From the general public, from the loved ones of the people who are in the resistance, by the military signaling that they don't really have any limits, that they will they will just do what they want to do to oppress… and for the part of the resistance, it is true that there are so many fearless people in Myanmar, who have proven themselves heroes - champions of the country's cause for democracy.
But at the same time, it is about human lives. The military’s risk calculations have to be more careful; they have much less space to operate in. Yet, we can express more resentment, more determined minds, and retaliate on different fronts. The decline of the street protests of millions of people after the military started shooting people and killing them arbitrarily is real. These physical protests have been symbolic, and are important in symbolic senses.
Still, it is not about fear! We're talking about human lives. And people are still supporting and involved – directly and indirectly - in the resistance to topple the military rule and kick them out and bring justice. At the same time, we could expect a mixed reaction of average people who are just living their lives. Some self-censorship from them and retaliation from the people and more resentment from the resistance.”