Myanmar generals hire lobbyist as anti-coup protests continue

Filings show coup leaders have hired Canadian firm to ‘explain’ situation, as railway workers in standoff with military.

Myanmar’s generals have hired a Canadian lobbying firm to help “explain the real situation” in the country, as security forces on Wednesday were engaged in a standoff at the staff compound of railway workers opposed to the February 1 coup and the United States said it was “repulsed” by the use of lethal force against protesters. Footage posted on social media showed security forces gathered on the street near the railway staff compound, in an echo of the military’s efforts on Monday night to barricade protesters into Sanchaung, also in Yangon. One person involved in the strike told the Reuters news agency by telephone they feared an imminent crackdown.