The woman representing the nation of Myanmar at the Miss Universe beauty contest has used the show as a platform to denounce the military junta that seized control of the country earlier this year.
Thuzar Wint Lwin walked on stage at the pageant and held up a sign that said, 'Pray for Myanmar'.
She also later released a video statement denouncing the military dictatorship in which she said:
"Our people are dying and being shot by the military every day. I would like to urge everyone to speak about Myanmar. As Miss Universe Myanmar since the coup, I have been speaking out as much as I can."
Powerful costume from Myanmar!
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) May 14, 2021
Don't forget to vote for your favorite costume at https://t.co/isjijntrRM. Voting closes at 11:59 pm on 5/15. pic.twitter.com/EWCq2fM9CD
The event was taking place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Thuzar Wint Lwin was wearing the clothing of her Chin people who are based in north-western Myanmar. The Chin people have also been recently involved in fighting with the military regime. Thuzar Wint Lwin was awarded Best National Costume for the dress.
The Myanmar military regime came to power on February 1st after it disputed the democratic elections that resulted in Aung Sang Suu Kyi returning to power. The military had ruled Myanmar for decades, but democratic elections had begun to be held over recent years.
Since taking power, Aung San Suu Kyi has been imprisoned, as have over 5,000 pro-democracy activists.
As many as 800 people have also been killed by the military for protesting against the overthrow of democracy.
The Myanmar military is renowned for its brutality. Over the past years, they have been engaged in fighting the Rohingya Muslim people who inhabit the north of the country. They have been accused of carrying out an ethnic genocide against the Rohingya and causing over 2 million people to flee their homes and move to refugee camps in Bangladesh.
The military regime has refused to comment on the demonstration at the Miss Universe pageant.
[h/t: Reuters]
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