Myanmar is making buying and selling roses illegal this week. Here’s why

• Myanmar's military junta is attempting to suppress a new 'Roses of Hope' protest movement, which encourages people to wear or display roses in support of Aung San Suu Kyi's 81st birthday.
• The movement, which uses roses as a symbol of the toppled leader, aims to demand the release of 20,000 political prisoners; the government is now criminalising the buying, selling, and displaying of roses in response.
• Concerns are growing over Ms Suu Kyi's well-being, as there has been no verifiable proof of life since 2023, despite the junta's claims she was moved to house arrest.
• China and India are normalising relations with Myanmar's military regime, with China pursuing strategic interests like the Belt and Road Initiative and access to critical minerals.
• The civil war continues in Myanmar, with the junta prioritising international diplomatic recognition while facing ongoing armed resistance and seeking to address issues like cross-border scam centres.

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Wearing roses criminalised in Myanmar as Aung San Suu Kyi turns 81