Protests swell across Myanmar in defiance of junta threat

Anti-coup protesters join a rally in Mandalay, Myanmar (AP)

Protesters have gathered in Myanmar’s biggest city despite the ruling junta’s threat to use lethal force against people who join a general strike against the military’s takeover three weeks ago.

More than 1,000 protesters gathered near the US embassy in Yangon despite barriers blocking the way, but left to avoid a confrontation after 20 military trucks with riot police arrived nearby.