For weeks, Buddhist monks have led pro-democracy demonstrations in cities across Burma (also known as Myanmar). On September 26, the Southeast Asian country's military government opened fire on the protesters in Rangoon, the capital.
The rallies began because the government sharply raised oil prices in August. But the seeds of unhappiness go back for decades.
The military has ruled Burma harshly for more than 40 years. In 1988, it reacted brutally to protests. Troops fired into crowds, killing thousands. Pro-democracy leaders won an election in 1990, but were not allowed to take power.
During the recent protests, the military was hesitant to crack down, at first. Monks and nuns are highly respected in the predominantly Buddhist country. But with the demonstrations growing--up to 100,000 people marched last Monday--the battle of wills came to a violent head.
"If the (monks) are brave, we must be brave," said one student. "They risk their lives for us."
Last week, world leaders urged Burma's government to deal peacefully with the unrest. "The whole world is now watching," said British prime minister Gordon Brown.