Buryatia Junta convicts ousted President

[Imperator Azenquor]

BCNA News: Buryatia Junta convicts ousted President

-Riot Police

“In a marathon trial lasting almost a month, the Special Military Tribunal has convicted ousted President Zhukovsky for crimes relating to the assassination of the Queen, as well as other serious breaches of the law. After carefully examining thousands of pages of testimony, evidence and government files, the Tribunal’s Prosecutor successfully proved that the President had seriously violated the Constitution and overstepped his powers.

The first of the charges related to a number of individuals who were placed under investigation by the Internal Intelligence Services on the instruction of the President. The President was found to have authorized the use of wiretaps without a court warrant against these individuals in order to gather evidence required to bring them to trial. This was in clear violation of the Constitution of Buryatia.

The President further exceeded his authority when he acted to prevent the police from interrogating a mysterious suspect who was caught in the Office of the President. This individual was discovered to have links with the Queen’s assassin and was sent to a maximum security facility in the capital. Evidence, including the sign in logs at the prison showed that the President and two Intelligence agents arrived to question the prisoner. Minutes later, the suspect was dead.

Regarding the Queen’s assassination, the two assassins were detained by the military shortly after the assassination took place and were transferred to a military detention facility. Financial and other statements indicate that B$20 million was transferred from the campaign accounts of the Pan Asia Party (PAP) into three overseas bank accounts found to belong to the assassins. Documents seized from the President’s Office by investigators also showed that the names of the two assassins had been added to the list of persons to receive Presidential pardons at the Annual Independence Celebrations. This document bore the signature of the President as well as the Presidential Seal.

Several other pieces of evidence were examined behind closed doors before the Tribunal rendered a verdict in the case. The Tribunal found the former President guilty of all charges. With the verdict in, the Tribunal then ordered that the former President serve a 15 year prison term and be barred from seeking election to any public office. The two assassins who were also on trial received the death penalty for their part in the assassination plot.

Defense lawyers for Former President Zhukovsky have launched an immediate appeal to the verdict, but it is not likely to yield success. The two assassins, on the other hand, have opted not to appeal the verdicts against them.

Members of the Pan Asia Party (PAP) have announced their intention to call another massive street protest against the verdict. Senior officials in the PAP have submitted a 24 hour ultimatum to the government to release Former President Zhukovsky and all others arrested during the previous protests. The senior officials have announced that they are prepared to:

“Systematically render it impossible for the military junta to effectively govern the nation”

General Zelin, the Chairman of the military junta has denounced the plans for another protest and has reiterated that under martial law, such gatherings are illegal. In response to the threat of another protest, the military has started to deploy thousands of soldiers and APCs in the capital. Riot police are also out in force across the country. It appears that a major showdown between the government and the Pan Asia Party is now inevitable."-Reporter

-Soldiers deployed across the capital city.

**News credits**

[Imperium of Poliz]

The Imperium of Poliz condemns actions of the Former President and his now proven, disgusting acts of treason. The God-Emperor, on behalf of His Subjects and Objects pledges full moral support for the military junta, and hopes it will crush the upstart Pan Asia Party in the event of their seemingly impending rebellion.

[Amyante]

Public

"Zargathia congratulates the S.M.C.R.O.C.N.U.K.B.H.D.P. on the impartiality of the trial. It is not often a trial involving the highest elements of the government is conducted in this organized manner, and it suits our northern neighbor that they have not lost sight of justice in their search for the ones responsible for the assassination. As such, Zargathia recognizes the Buryatian junta as its rightful government for the duration of the martial law, or until new elections are to be held."

Private

"Given the intentions announced by the Pan Asia Party, we intend to heighten security at our borders accordingly. As this would involve sending more troops to the border area, we wish to reassure beforehand that we have no hostile intentions."

Edited August 8, 2009 by Amyante

[Imperator Azenquor]

BCNA: Confrontation approaching

“Tensions in the capital remain high as the pending confrontation between the government and the Pan Asia Party draws ever closer. It seems to be the calm before the storm, as the streets of the capital were completely devoid of civilians this morning.

In preparation for the PAP march, which is scheduled to begin in less than twelve hours, the government has tripled the number of riot police deployed around the capital city and has deployed an entire battalion of the army to support the riot police. As of 10 minutes ago, we have received information from the Yakutsk Central Police Department (YCPD) indicating that they have deployed more than 20,000 personnel into the capital.

The Army has taken up a defensive posture and has used APCs to block several major roads along the protest route. The army has also deployed tanks to the Presidential Palace and the Parliament ahead of the protests. All branches of the State’s security forces are bracing for the protest in their attempt to enforce martial law across the nation. Failure to maintain order in the capital would have disastrous consequences for the government.

Despite the upcoming protest by the Pan Asia Party, the Chairman of the Military Committee General Zelin gave a televised address to the country in which he outlined the beginning of the transition to a civilian elected government.”-Reporter

***Recorded Message***

“Citizens of Buryatia,

Despite the threats and attempts to undermine the nation by the Pan Asia Party and its supporters, we remain steadfast in our mission to steer the nation through this tough time and to ensure that those in the previous government who are guilty of crimes are fully punished, and the evidence of their crimes is brought to light. The Tribunal rulings yesterday have been a large step forward in this regard. Those at the highest tier of the former government have been made to answer for their crimes.

While there are a few former mid level officials who are yet to be tried, we feel that we can now initiate the first step of a return to a civilian government. This is why the Committee signed a decree yesterday to restore the Parliament. Parliamentary MPs have been released from house arrest and have been permitted to prepare to return to Parliament as early as tomorrow morning.

Unfortunately, the MPs who are members of the Pan Asia Party will not be released from house arrest and will not be permitted to return to their seats in Parliament. Instead there will be Special Elections in their constituencies in three months. Regardless of the three month wait for the full Parliament to be assembled, we have decided that it would be best for the Parliament to begin its work as quickly as possible. We have therefore authorized the non-Pan Asia Party MPs, who are to return to Parliament tomorrow, to begin the Legislative session without delay despite the vacancies.

The Committee has also reached a tentative deadline for holding the next Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Should the situation in the country remain calm, we will lift Martial Law in three months from now and we will have the elections four months from today. We reiterate our commitment to restoring democracy to Buryatia in the shortest possible time.

Regarding the planned protest by the Pan Asia Party scheduled for today, I urge the Party to reconsider this illegal and highly dangerous action. During a state of Martial Law, any such gatherings are strictly prohibited. We understand that members of the PAP are likely to be upset that their leadership is behind bars for their crimes, but this is the reality. The sooner the membership of the PAP accepts this reality, the better it will be for the entire nation. For a group of people to brazenly defy several government laws, and to openly state their desire to render the country ‘ungovernable’ is evidence enough of the true intentions of this movement.

We ask that those who follow the Pan Asian Party see this planned protest for what it really is. It is not a protest for Democracy, it is not a protest for Human Rights, it is not a protest against Dictatorship, it is a protest aimed at restoring a dangerous and corrupt political party to power under the guise of Democracy. The Pan Asia Party has found what it believes is the best way for it to regain the power that it thirsts for: to attempt to create an artificial revolt and to attempt to fool both the nation and the world into believing that they are supported by the majority of the people of the nation.

We will maintain law and order in the capital and in the nation. We will unashamedly enforce the conditions of the declaration of Martial Law without fear or favor. Any citizen of Buryatia who participates in the protest march must be prepared to face the consequences for their actions. Under the law, the government reserves the right to arrest and detain persons who violate the curfew in place in the capital. We fully intend to use this right. We have also heard reports that protesters who plan to attend the PAP march intend to damage property during the protest. This is rioting and will not be tolerated. Any citizen found rioting will be detained, should the security forces be unable to use non lethal methods to detain the rioters then they are permitted, upon the command of their superior officer to shoot as an absolute last resort.

To the leaders of the Pan Asia Party, call off your protest before it is too late.”-General Zelin

-Buryatian Police Force taking position

-Buryatian Army in Revolution Square

Edited August 9, 2009 by Imperator Azenquor

[Imperator Azenquor]

BCNA: Deaths and injuries in first wave of renewed protest

-Protesters marching on Highway B-9C

“It is estimated that the crowds in the capital city today numbered nearly half a million. The large protest group marched through downtown Yakutsk heading for the Parliament building. The protesters moved down the major highway towards the Parliament building before they were confronted by Riot Police and the army.

Several scuffles developed as the Riot Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to attempt to disperse the crowd. As these attempts failed the Riot Police were forced to regroup at the second defense line, less than a mile from the Parliament building. Once there, the Army sent in additional units to reinforce the defense line. The protesters quickly seized momentum and rushed the second line of security forces.

As the security forces managed to hold off the protesters, some soldiers began arbitrarily detaining protesters closest to the security line. This angered many of the protesters who began throwing objects at the soldiers. Almost immediately some protesters began to riot, setting several vehicles and nearby buildings on fire. As several police officers attempted to bring the riots under control, the security line came under fire from within the crowd killing 6 officers and a soldier.

In what is bound to be a controversial decision, the military opened fire killing ten of the rioters and injuring 3 protesters. Once most of the rioting was brought under control, the security forces ceased firing, despite the fact that there was still gunfire directed towards them from the crowd. As the security forces attempted to hold the line against the protesters, a large explosion of unknown origin killed several protesters and riot police.

It is unclear what caused the explosion at this time, however some analysts believe that a bomb may have been planted somewhere nearby and was triggered. The explosion killed more than 600 protesters and 350 security officers and injured thousands on both sides. In response the Pan Asia Party has claimed that the military used artillery in an attempt to shell the protesters, while the government has refuted this and has claimed that they believe that the explosion was caused by a bomb or other explosive device set by supporters of the Pan Asia Party (PAP) to be used for propaganda.

The Military High Command has ordered an investigation into the incident and has ordered that the person or persons responsible for the blast be brought to trial. As the dust settled the remaining protesters quickly ferried their injured comrades to the nearby hospital while others remained in position shouting anti government slogans. As the dust settled it was announced that today alone, there were 967 deaths (610 of them protesters).

Once the security forces had reinforced the secondary defense line the remaining protesters retreated as their numbers quickly dwindled. Despite the high casualties, the Secretariat of the Pan Asia Party released a statement in which they promised that:

“In the name of our fallen brothers and sisters we shall continue to protest. We will expand our protests to every area of society and we will bring this government to its knees. If the government continues to provoke us, then we will abandon our pacifism and exchange slogans and banners for bullets and rifles!”

In a response issued by the junta, General Zelin stated:

“I am shocked and appalled at the situation which has led to several deaths. Rest assured that we will stop at nothing to investigate the cause of the explosion that has taken so many lives. Such a cowardly act transcends all boundaries of politics and should be universally condemned. We will find the persons responsible for the explosion and they will face justice. Once again I implore the Pan Asia Party, especially in light of what occurred today, to halt their protests and to obey the law. Regarding the movement’s claim that they will now resort to violence as an avenue for the Pan Asia Party to reclaim power, we condemn this and state that such an uprising will not be tolerated. This illustrates exactly what we have been saying so far, the PAP will stop at nothing to gain power and they are prepared to use the citizens of this nation as mere means for them to regain the power that they thirst for.”

Shortly after the General’s address, the leadership of the PAP announced that there would be no additional protests for three days so that they could “stop to remember our fallen comrades and to ensure that we never forget that which we are fighting for”.

The Parliament, which was in the middle of its first Legislative session since its restoration yesterday passed a non binding declaration in which they condemned: “those who committed a grave act of cowardice and committed the murder of several civilians and security officials by using an explosive device” as well as declared that “While the protesters feel strongly about the issue and wish to have their voices heard, this does not permit the protesters to violate the law in doing so. All citizens of Buryatia must obey the law to the letter and there can be no exceptions”.

The Speaker of the Parliament then held a minute’s silence in honor of those who were killed in the protests today before he brought the first session to a close. The Parliament is expected to meet again tomorrow morning to discuss this and several other matters."

Edited August 10, 2009 by Imperator Azenquor

[JEDCJT]

We watch the situation with concern.

[Subtleknifewielder]

"This is a concerning situation. While the protestors have a right to have their voices heard, and the government has a right to prevent unrest, that does not give either side the right to use force to accomplish their goals. We condemn equally the initial and unprovoked use of force, albeit non-violent, on the protestors as much as we condemn the civilians that opened fire on the security forces."

[Imperator Azenquor]

BCNA: Anti government protesters seize Parliament building

-Parliament

-Riot police confronting protesters

“In a shocking turn of events this morning, anti government protesters again marched through the capital city towards the Parliament. The protesters were again confronted by Riot police who attempted to disperse them. The Riot police again used tear gas and rubber bullets to force the crowd back. This initially appeared to be successful until the protesters regrouped and were joined by several more columns of protesters.

Taking advantage of the situation, the crowd of nearly 400,000 people charged towards the police line throwing any objects they could find at the Riot police. While under a hail of bricks, bottles, rocks and other objects, the Riot police called for reinforcements from the nearest security zone. Although reinforcements were dispatched, the Riot police around the Parliament were clearly outnumbered and were quickly losing control of the situation. Police officers still refused to use lethal force as protesters hurled Molotov cocktail bombs at them.

Small groups of protesters broke off from the main column and started to riot, destroying several vehicles and setting four shops on fire. When the Riot police attempted to detain the rioters, the crowd forced their way through the police lines and rushed towards the Parliament building. Minutes later, reinforcements arrived to bolster the security line however thousands of protesters had already broken through the line.

The police managed to arrest more than 4000 protesters bringing the total number of protesters detained throughout the protests to approximately 16,200. The protesters remained unfazed by the arrests and remained near to the security line shouting anti government slogans as the police randomly selected protesters for arrest.

The protesters that broke through the security lines managed to make it inside the Parliament building before being confronted by security forces. Some protesters gained access to the Parliamentary chamber and ransacked the room. The protesters piled chairs and tables into the center of the Parliament before setting them on fire. Police inside the Parliament building confronted several of the protesters who were arrested and taken into custody. A few protesters barricaded themselves in the Senate Chamber in an attempt to avoid arrest however they were taken into custody when police stormed the chamber.

The Riot police inside the Parliament called for support from the Army who dispatched a group of 200 soldiers to the building to retake control of the Parliament. Once the soldiers arrived, they issued a verbal ultimatum to the protesters to surrender and leave the Parliament building. Seven of the eighty-two protesters still in the building complied with this order and were taken into military custody. The remaining 75 protesters stood their ground and refused to leave the building.

As soldiers entered the building, they were shot at by three armed protesters hiding in the main Lobby. The soldiers returned fire killing all three protesters. The soldiers scoured the Parliament one floor at a time as they retook the building. In line with military order 872-c, the soldiers used lethal force against all protesters remaining in the Parliament building. Once all floors were secure, and a new security perimeter established, the soldiers began a damage assessment.

As the dust settled there were 77 dead (75 protesters, 2 soldiers) and 32 injured. A senior military General who arrived at the Parliament to survey the damage condemned the protesters and said that:

“The protesters have clearly abandoned the idea of peaceful protest. A significant number of protesters were armed and this is deeply troubling. The Pan Asia Party has increasingly provoked tension and resorted to violence and destruction of property in their quest to regain power. So far, the government has responded in a restrained and measured manner to these protests.

Today, the entire situation has reached the boiling point. Protesters, in clear violation of several laws have vandalized the nation’s Parliament, the very institution of democracy that the government restored as a step forward in the transition. This illustrates the PAP’s contempt for democracy and the rights of the people of this nation. The PAP has given the government no choice but to enforce a much harsher punishment on those who would seek to destroy the country in their quest to gain power.

As such we will be holding an emergency meeting of both the Military Committee and the Legislature to decide upon a new course of action. We will not sit back and watch while the PAP forces their way into power at the expense of the people of the nation.”

We will wait for an update from the meeting between the Committee and the Legislature and bring it to you as soon as we receive it. From BCNA Evening News, good night

***News credits***

===Headquarters of the Pan Asia Party, Sakha province===

A few of the remaining leaders of the PAP, who managed not to be arrested in the immediate aftermath of the coup, sat around a conference table looking over several detailed maps of the capital city.

“Today was a major success we have managed to prove that the state forces are not invincible. We managed to strike at the very heart of the government!”-??? #1

“Indeed, but at what cost? We are no closer to overthrowing the government now than we were two weeks ago.”-???#2

“We now have a strategic advantage and we need to make use of that advantage”-??? #1

“Embedding members of our militia unit in the crowds has proven to be successful. We may not have gained ground, but we have created a situation where the police and the military will be on their guard”-??? #3

“Isn’t that a bad thing?”-??? #2

“No. When soldiers are armed and unable to find our armed militia among the sea of civilians there is bound to be an incident. The most important thing is to make sure that when this incident occurs that the private media capitalizes on it, and attempts to rally world opinion to our cause”-??? # 3

“What about the state owned media channels, like BCNA?”-???#2

“They can be dealt with.”-??? #3

“Gentlemen, I must be going. I need to begin the groundwork for the next protests.”-??? # 3

The other two persons nodded and returned to examining the large map before them, while the third left the room and headed off into the night.

Less than an hour later, two large vans pulled up in front of the PAP HQ. Without warning soldiers and riot police stormed the building arresting everyone they could find. Once the building was cleared several party workers and senior staff, even the janitors were taken into custody. Across the country there were several similar raids on businesses and offices either directly linked to the PAP or linked by party members to the PAP.

Rather than waiting for the PAP to make the first move, the government had instead decided to go after the senior leadership and to ‘aim for the head of the snake’.

[Imperium of Poliz]

The Imperium of Poliz congratulates Buryatia on successfully apprehending a number of key leaders of the criminal Pan Asia Party and hopes that this will prove to be a turning point in the current dilemma.

Furthermore, we assure the military junta that they have reacted reasonably to the situations foist upon them by this atrocious band of terrorists, and condemn the actions of the Pan Asia Party, and urge them do disband, surrender and desist.

[Amyante]

"Zargathia finds it regrettable that force was used against the protesters, but wishes to add that it is clear which side was responsible for this escalation of violence to begin with. Though we believe that the people's voice should be heard, our notions of democracy most certainly do not include riots and vandalism of property, both public and personal. As such, we continue to give our full support to the military junta in Buryatia, and sharply condemn those that had brought rocks and molotov cocktails to an alleged peaceful protest march."

Edited August 11, 2009 by Amyante

[Subtleknifewielder]

"We cannot in good faith back the actions of either side in this dispute. The military and police under their control were clearly the ones to initiate the violence, but instead of reacting in a civilized manner, the protestors responded with more deadly force. Therefore, we continue to conemn both sides in this matter."

[Razgriz 2K9]

Yuktobania condemns both sides for using violence in protests. The Yuktobanian border with Buryatia is now sealed and will remain sealded until things boil over.

OOC: Dosen't mean I won't try to take advantage of this, somehow......

[Imperator Azenquor]

BCNA Breaking news Military Committee reshuffles, new protests begin

-New protests

“We have breaking news from the capital city. We can now confirm that less than ten minutes ago, the Special Military Committee for the Restoration of Order and Constitutional Normalcy in the United Kingdom of Buryatia and Her Dependencies and Protectorates (S.M.C.R.O.C.N.U.K.B.H.D.P.), the 15 member panel that has led the nation since the assassination of the Queen has dissolved itself.

This move took several people by surprise and was unexpected, even in the Legislature. In a short series of decrees issued by the Committee and ratified by Parliament, Buryatia’s Judiciary was completely restored and all Judiciary powers were once again transferred to the Supreme People’s Court. Citing less authority in the hands of the Committee, the Chairman General Zelin dissolved the previous Committee and formed a three man triumvirate in its place.

This three member panel consists of General Zelin (Chairman), Lt. Col. Zhukov (Military Rep) and the Speaker of the Parliament (Civilian Rep). The new Triumvirate is called the:

Special Joint Military-Civilian Governing Committee for the Restoration of Order, Democracy and Constitutional Normality in the United Kingdom of Buryatia and Her Dependencies, Protectorates, Unincorporated Regions and Sphere of Influence at the Earliest Opportunity in the Interests of the Nation and the Citizens thereof (S.J.M.C.G.C.R.O.D.C.N.U.K.B.H.D.P.U.R.S.O.I.E.O.I.N.C.).

In a short statement from General Zelin, he confirmed that this marked the next step towards the restoration of democratic government in the country. With both the Parliament and the Judiciary restored, the new Committee only holds Executive powers and is now overseen directly by the Supreme People’s Court. In his statement General Zelin reiterated his pledge to return the nation to democratic government as soon as it becomes possible to do so. The General has not however, given a clear deadline for the lifting of martial law across Buryatia.

Despite this clear step towards civilian government, some people feel that the transition is not occurring quickly enough. A Representative of the Democratic Party of Buryatia announced that they are demanding a set date for a transition to democracy. In a large, but albeit illegal rally in the capital city Yakutsk, DPB Leaders voiced their opposition to the prolonged state of martial law and urged the government to rescind the martial law declaration and lift the suspension on the Charter of Rights of Citizens of Buryatia (CRCB).

-Monks marching towards the Square

Despite a strong police presence at the DPB rally, all of the protesters marched peacefully to the Revolution Square where they have staged a sit in. Estimates suggest that there are nearly 600,000 DPB supporters in the square. In a stark difference to the previous Pan Asia Party backed protests, the DPB protests were attended by civilians, as well as several thousand Buddhist monks and the Patriarch of the Vaule Orthodox Church.

Despite frequent warnings that unauthorized protests will be broken up, the crowd remains defiantly seated in the Square facing the Monument to the Revolution. We can confirm that the military high command has deployed 20,000 soldiers to the Square, however the soldiers have so far remained at the entrances to the Square and have not moved. It appears that the soldiers and riot police have been ordered to hold their positions pending further orders.

We have our own reporters on the ground in the square, so we will bring you updates as soon as they...

***BCNA Suddenly goes to static***

===Royal Palace, Yakutsk===

Prince Yuri stood on the Palace balcony overlooking the Square below. The Prince was stunned at the sheer size of the protest, as well as the fact that even Religious leaders had openly defied the government. In the background two of the Prince's aides were diligently studying both the Constitution and the House of Li Family Tree. The silence was broken by the first aide who leapt to his feet and rushed out onto the balcony to speak with the Prince.

"Your Highness, I have found something of importance. According to the previous Governing Articles for the Royal Family of Buryatia, which have yet to be rescinded or amended, there is a provision for succession in the event that a reigning monarch has no heirs or immediate relatives. It is possible for a member of the Vaulian Royal Family, particularly the Royal House of Guttorp-Farone-Zenn, to gain the throne provided that there are no members of the Royal House of Li-Faronne-Zenn who are able to claim the throne."-Aide

The Prince glanced at his aide before replying:

"Do we know if there are any other members of the Li branch who are able to take the throne?"-Prince Yuri

"We have checked the records exhaustively your Highness, Queen Yulia was the last living member of the Li branch"-Second Aide

"What about my own Royal House? Is their anyone in the former Royal Family of Vaule that would have a claim to the Buryatian throne that would supercede my own?"-Prince Yuri

The Prince's Aide was silent for a moment before he replied:

"Of the descendants of the House of Guttorp-Farone-Zenn, all of the potential claimants to the Buryatian throne are either dead, or have rescinded all of their royal titles. Well, with one single exception your Highness."-Aide

Looking slightly annoyed, Prince Yuri glared at the Aide then asked:

"Who?"

The Aide lowered his head before replying:

"Former Imperator Azenquor I of Vaule has a potential claim to the throne. And although he is classified as being missing, he has not yet been declared dead."

[Imperium of Poliz]

OOC: Dun Dun Duuuuun! Amazing read.

[Amyante]

"Though we are relieved to hear that the DPB, unlike the PAP, does know how to hold a peaceful protest, we still wish to make the following statement:

Zargathia hereby issues a Guarantee of Independence on its neighboring state of Omakini for the duration of the Buryatian transition. In other words, any attack on Omakinian soil is to be seen as an attack on Zargathia itself, and will be responded to in kind."

Private

"For clarification, we still back the Buryatian government. This is just a precaution in case the ones trying to overthrow the government decide to spread to another country, with less advanced defenses."

[Razgriz 2K9]

OOC: So, the old Imperator still has a shot? Wow, that's a surprise.

[Imperator Azenquor]

***Classified***

The Buryatian People’s Army orders 10,000 troops and 40 T-90B tanks to the border with Zargathia. 5,000 troops are ordered to head towards the border between Buryatia and Omakini, but are ordered to remain clearly on the Buryatian side of the border. Along the road leading to the Zargathian border, a column of 15 BM-30V Heavy Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems can be seen moving quickly towards the border region.

Once all of the forces are deployed, the BM-30s remain well inside Zenn province, more than 20 miles from the Zargathia-Buryatia border. The 10,000 troops set up a makeshift camp 10 miles from the border region. The forces heading into Regulus province (along the Omakini-Buryatia border) rapidly position themselves 9 miles from the border.

Not classified:

Without reason or explanation, the number of Buryatian border guards at the nation’s borders with Yuktobania, Omakini and Zargathia are doubled and hourly patrols are changed to half hour patrols.

***Classified (relatively)***

Satellite images over New Faron province in southern Buryatia show that a significant area of land has been cleared and cordoned off from the surrounding areas where a deep tunnel approximately 800 m was dug. Military activity around the site increased hour by hour as several military trucks arrived and departed.

[Razgriz 2K9]

The number of border guards have doubled as strict border policies are implemented along it's border with Buryatia as well as the Buryatian-controlled Magadan Province. Yuktobanian Army personnel have also been sent in to further support border patrol.

Classified:

Cruik Fortress, east of Yuktobania's capital Cinigrad, has been put into an moderate state of alert.

OOC: Only because I'm still worry for potential Buryatian expansion.

[Amyante]

Zargathian border guards had been briefed about the possibility of Buryatia strengthening their side of the border as well, and as such the complement of tanks and troops didn't come as much of a surprise. Still, to say the situation wasn't tense was another matter entirely, but Zargathian forces moved away from the border area as well, heading several miles inland to mirror the movements of their northern neighbor to create a decent buffer zone between the two armies.

Once in place, they'd start digging trenches and building makeshift fortifications, digging themselves in in case something did happen to make it past the Buryatians. Still, keeping a mutual distance would be for the best. Accidents happened after all, and the last thing on their mind would be friendly fire casualties in the already tense atmosphere along the border.

DEFCON wasn't changed, though it should be mentioned that it had been on 3 prior to the Buryatian situation. All communication channels were being monitored, but there was no need to actively disrupt radio signals.

[loannes]

The violence in the region makes the people of Drakoria glad that a ton of snow separates Buryatia from Drakoria.

[Razgriz 2K9]

OOC: I must be slightly overreacting, cause my Defcon level is 4 going on 3, and my IC character is worried that s*** is gonna hit the fan.

[Subtleknifewielder]

OOC: I must be slightly overreacting, cause my Defcon level is 4 going on 3, and my IC character is worried that s*** is gonna hit the fan.

OOC: Perhaps, perhaps not. Paranoia is still a legit IC action though.

[Imperator Azenquor]

BCNA: Deadline given to protesters: 'Leave Square or else'

“In a strongly worded statement issued by the joint-military civilian committee, the government has issued an ultimatum to the protesters staging a sit-in in the historic Revolution Square. The statement reiterated that all protests, regardless of their purpose, are banned while the nation is under martial law and has given the protesters three hours to leave the square before there will be ‘consequences for their actions’.

On the ground, few protesters appear to be heeding the warning as several Buddhist monks remain at the scene of the protest chanting anti government slogans. The protests appear to be gaining some more momentum as the Patriarch of the Catholic Church has now voiced strong support for the protest movement. Several Buryatian Catholic associations have indicated their intention to join the protest. Despite most Christians in Buryatia following the Vaulian Orthodox Church, there is a small community of about 20,000 who adhere to Catholicism.

Reporters on the scene in Revolution Square have reported seeing additional troops move into position at the main entrances of the Square as well as a small column of tanks and APCs moving into position. The military and the government refuse outright to discuss any deployments occurring around the capital. There are also rumors circulating among the protesters that the government is rapidly withdrawing police units and replacing them with soldiers, but we cannot verify this at this time.

With only two and a half hours remaining until the government’s deadline passes, the protest shows no sign of going away.”-Reporter

-Tanks heading towards the center of the capital

[Yuthura Ban]

The Rakatan Imperium is deeply concerned with the events in Buryatia. While no official word from any government official was given, sentiments inside the Imperial Palace remain grim.

[Razgriz 2K9]

<<Private>>

Catherine Reznov looks out of her window, worried about the situation at the border. She knew that more blood would be shed in the state, thus adding to her fears of a dictatorship. She looks down, as if the bloodshed was about to begin.....

OOC: There's your cue IA. Do it, I know you want to....