Nay Pyi Taw, Feb 16 (TIWN) Internet access has been restored by Myanmar's new military rulers after it was blocked for the second night in a row.

The blackout — the fourth shutdown since the February 1 coup came as the junta tries to stifle dissent by the demonstrators demanding the release from detention of their elected leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the restoration of democracy.  Earlier, the military authorities announced stiff penalties for those opposing the coup leaders. Protesters, however, were out again early on Tuesday, the BBC reported.  They have been encouraging civil servants to join the civil disobedience movement in the main city of Yangon.  The United Nations Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener reminded the head of the military junta in a phone call that “the right of peaceful assembly must fully be respected”, according to a UN spokesman, warning him that “any form of heavy handed response is likely to have severe consequences”.  The junta says it overthrew elected leaders, including longtime democracy campaigner, Aung San Suu Kyi, due to alleged voter fraud. It has not provided any evidence to support these claims.