Home » Burma, protests against the coup continue. The UN: “Already 149 victims since February 1”

Burma, protests against the coup continue. The UN: “Already 149 victims since February 1”

by admin

The trail of blood continues to flow through the streets of Burma where, since February 1, thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest against the military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of leader Aung San Suu Kyi. According to the United Nations tally, 149 people were killed by the security forces since the beginning of the demonstrations. It is the result “of the illegal use of lethal force against peaceful protesters,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani, stating that at least 11 of the victims were killed on Monday and 57 over the weekend. .

Burma, UN: “At least 149 killed since February 1”

For the independent association of assistance for political prisoners, the total victims would be at least 183. “There are many other reports of further killings that we have not yet been able to confirm,” the spokesperson explained. At least two people were killed on Tuesday after a morning of peaceful marches held in different parts of Burma. Violence was reported in Yangon, where the death toll was the highest, despite dissidents trying to avoid clashes with law enforcement. Police fired rubber bullets at protesters in several neighborhoods and one man was killed. Another casualty was reported in the town of Kawlin, in the northwestern Sagaing region. “The killing of demonstrators, arbitrary arrests and torture of prisoners violate fundamental human rights and clearly oppose the UN Security Council’s calls for moderation, dialogue and a return to the country’s democratic path,” he said. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The coup reversed years of slow progress towards democracy in Myanmar, a country that for five decades was under the control of a rigid military government that led to international isolation and sanctions.

See also  Andreas Brehme is dead

Police violence in Yangon on Sunday led to the highest death toll in a single day since the coup. Myanmar’s junta has declared martial law in much of the city. The most serious events were reported in the Hlaing Thar Yar municipality of Yangon, an industrial area linked to clothing, one of the main export sources for the country. Several factories, many of them Chinese-owned, were set on fire by unknown persons, causing Beijing’s ire.

The US and Europe have repeatedly condemned the violence of the security forces and imposed sanctions against the military. The issue of the crisis in Burma was also addressed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to Tokyo. Blinken explained that Washington wants to “promote democratic principles in Myanmar as it does elsewhere”. While the Japanese counterpart expressed “strong concerns” about the current situation in the country and the killing of civilians, and asked the junta for the immediate release of Suu Kyi and the restoration of democracy.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy