Four arrested in Burma protests

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Three journalists and one protester were detained by police in Burma after a rare public demonstration in Rangoon.

At least 15 protesters waved placards and chanted slogans calling for lower inflation, better health and education services and stable power supplies.

The demonstration lasted for about 30 minutes before police stepped in.

The Burmese reporters, two working for Japanese media companies, were freed after seven hours of questioning. The protester remains in police custody.

The detained journalists included a reporter from Japan's Kyodo news agency, a correspondent for Japan's Nippon Network Television (NTV) and a writer for a Burmese economics magazine.

'Peaceful' protest

The protesters gathered on a street in central Rangoon at about 1530 (0900 GMT) chanting slogans the Associated Press news agency reported.

We cannot control our feelings any more, that is why we are asking the authorities in a peaceful way Myint Shawe, protester

Public protests are rare in Burma, which has been under military rule since 1962.

The government cracks down on any dissent and press freedom is restricted.

"We are asking for basic human rights. We want to show people ... that you can ask for things peacefully," protester Myint Shawe told the AFP news agency.

"We cannot stand any more, we cannot control our feelings any more, that is why we are asking the authorities in a peaceful way."