Opponents of Myanmar’s military rule urged citizens to stay indoors on Wednesday in a “silent strike” protesting the Dec 28 elections, which critics say are designed to legitimize the junta. Images showed empty streets in Yangon as many joined the action.

Meanwhile, authorities charged 10 pro-democracy activists in Mandalay with disrupting the electoral process after a rare flash-mob protest. The charges carry up to 10 years in prison. Despite threats to shopkeepers and tight security, activists say the strike shows public resistance to military rule remains strong.