The US has expressed concern about how Burmese authorities are handling the large protests against a Chinese-backed copper mine in northwestern Burma. “[W]e’re following with concern reports that Burmese security services forcibly evicted those who were peacefully protesting against this copper mine,” US State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said during a press briefing on Friday. A day before Burmese police had injured dozens protesters during a violent crackdown. “We have been urging the government to ensure that security forces exercise maximum restraint, respect due process, and protect the right of the Burmese people to freely assemble,” she said.