Myanmar Police files new charge against Aung San Suu Kyi

Suu Kyi, who was ousted in a military coup on February 1, has already been charged with possessing walkie-talkies that were imported without being registered.

Groups of demonstrators turned out in Yangon and other cities on Tuesday to protest the coup and demand that Suu Kyi and members of her ousted government be freed from detention.

In Yangon, police blocked off the street in front of the Central Bank, which protesters have targeted amid speculation online that the military is seeking to seize money from them.

Buddhist monks demonstrated outside the UN's local office.

The protests are taking place in defiance of an order banning gatherings of five or more people.

On Monday in Mandalay, soldiers and police violently broke up a gathering of more than 1,000 protesters in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank.

They attacked the protesters with slingshots and sticks, and police could be seen aiming long guns into the air amid sounds that resembled gunfire.

Local media reported rubber bullets were fired into the crowd and that a few people were injured.

The government ordered internet access to be blocked on Sunday and Monday nights without giving a reason. It has in the past few weeks imposed selective and ineffective blocks on social media platforms and prepared a draft internet law to criminalize many online activities.

Speculation is rife that the government is installing a firewall that can monitor or block most or all online activity.

State media acknowledged the movement with indirect references. The Global New Light of Myanmar reported about a meeting of the State Administration Council, the new top governing body, and quoted Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, saying the authorities are handling the ongoing problems with care.

It said the council discussed legal action against protesters, providing true information to the media, and resuming public transport.

The self-styled Committee representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has 15 members who met online and said they have enough support to convene Parliament.

It stakes a claim to being the sole legitimate government institution and has appealed to foreign powers and the UN and other multilateral institutions for recognition, with no known positive responses.

Committee members believe warrants have been issued for their arrests.

The military contends there was fraud in last year's election, which Suu Kyi's party won in a landslide, and says it will hold power for a year before holding new elections.

It says its takeover is legitimate under 2008 constitution drafted under military rule and ensures the army maintains ultimate control over Myanmar.

State election commission found no evidence to support claims of fraud.