Powerful photos show Myanmar nun confronting military

Powerful images have emerged of the moment a nun confronted police in Myanmar, kneeling down in the street before them and pleading with them to end their violent crackdown on protesters.

Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng was photographed in the northern city of Myitkyina on Monday, dressed in a white robe and black habit.

The nun told reporters afterwards that she had been pleading with the policemen not to open fire on those demonstrating against last month’s coup, in which the democratically-elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was swept aside by military generals.

In the pictures, the police decked out in heavy riot gear appear to be acquiescing to Sister Ann’s request, also kneeling and folding their hands in prayer towards her.