a cinema hall displays “We Want Democracy” on its marquee in downtown Rangoon. |Service men from the Burma Air Force join pro-democracy demonstrators in August 1988.|Pro-democracy protesters gather outside Rangoon General Hospital in August 1988.|Members of Burma’s Police Force hold organizational flags amid other protesters at a pro-democracy demonstration in Mandalay
August 1988.|: People plead with soldiers not to open fire on protesters in August 1988.|Win Maw Oo
a high school student shot by the army
is carried to an ambulance by two doctors on Sept. 19
a day after the military takeover.| People gather near the US Embassy in Rangoon during a pro-democracy rally in August 1988.|Police from Rangoon International Airport join pro-democracy demonstration in August 1988.|A Buddhist monk runs from riot police during a crackdown on pro-democracy demonstration in August 1988.|A Buddhist monk wounded during the military crackdown on demonstrators.|Kachin people join pro-democracy demonstration in August 1988.|Columns of protesters led by Buddhist monks march on Bogyoke Road in Rangoon
August 1988.
People gather near the US Embassy in Rangoon during a pro-democracy rally in August 1988.
People gather outside City Hall in August
Police from Rangoon International Airport join pro-democracy demonstration in August 1988.
A Buddhist monk runs from riot police during a crackdown on pro-democracy demonstration in August 1988.
A Buddhist monk wounded during the military crackdown on demonstrators.
Kachin people join pro-democracy demonstration in August 1988.
Columns of protesters led by Buddhist monks march on Bogyoke Road in Rangoon, August 1988.
RANGOON — Marking 27 years since the Burmese government staged a military coup that ultimately ended the 1988 popular uprising, The Irrawaddy looks back at a series of archival images depicting the days leading up to and after the fateful turn of events. In these photographs, provided by the 88 Memorial Hall, people from all walks of life and from all over the country can be seen taking to the streets in defiance of the oppressive rule that devastated the country since 1962.
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