Irish campaigners concerned about Burmese protests

Irish supporters of the pro-democracy movement in Burma have expressed concern about a possible violence crackdown on protestors in the country.

Huge groups of protestors led by thousands of Buddhist monks have been holding daily marches for more than a week.

The security forces began trying to end the demonstrations today, firing warning shots and tear gas and beating some protestors with batons.

Several arrests have also taken place and there are unconfirmed reports that one monk has been killed.

Burma Action Ireland says it fears a repeat of 1998, when up to 3,000 people were killed during pro-democracy protests.