Global ‘8888’ protests highlight continuing resistance against junta rule in Myanmar

Protests marking the 37th anniversary of Myanmar's 1988 pro-democracy uprising (known as "8888") were held worldwide to oppose the military junta that seized power in February 2021. The "8888 Umbrella Strike" demonstrations, organized by the Yangon Strike Group, aimed to unify global anti-dictatorship movements under the symbolic Burmese number "8" while raising awareness about the ongoing struggle against military rule. Despite tight security, protests were held in Myanmar and international cities including Paris, Prague, and Washington, with participants calling for an end to the junta's brutal crackdown that has resulted in over 7,000 deaths and 29,580 arrests since the 2021 coup.