New Delhi (NVI): At least 18 people have been killed while over 30 have been injured in anti-coup protests in Myanmar today, according to the UN Human Rights Office.
“Throughout the day, in several locations throughout the country, police and military forces have confronted peaceful demonstrations, using lethal force and less-than-lethal force that – according to credible information received by the UN Human Rights Office – has left at least 18 people dead and over 30 wounded,” UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement.
“We strongly condemn the escalating violence against protests in Myanmar and call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protestors,” she said.
As per the statement, deaths have reportedly occurred as a result of live ammunition fired into crowds in Yangon, Dawei, Mandalay, Myeik, Bago and Pokokku. Tear gas was also reportedly used in various locations as well as flash-bang and stun grenades.
“The people of Myanmar have the right to assemble peacefully and demand the restoration of democracy. These fundamental rights must be respected by the military and police, not met with violent and bloody repression,” the UN Human Rights Office spokesperson said.
Use of lethal force against non-violent demonstrators is never justifiable under international human rights norms, she added.
The Human Rights Office stated that since the beginning of the coup d’état in Myanmar on 1 February, the police and security forces have targeted an ever-increasing number of opposition voices and demonstrators by arresting political officials, activists, civil society members, journalists and medical professionals.
“Today alone, police have detained at least 85 medical professionals and students, as well as seven journalists, who were present at the demonstrations. Over 1,000 individuals have been arbitrarily arrested and detained in the last month – some of whom remain unaccounted for – mostly without any form of due process, simply for exercising their human rights to freedom of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly,” it said.
“We reiterate our call for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained, including members of the democratically elected government. The international community must stand in solidarity with the protestors and all those seeking a return to democracy in Myanmar,” Ravina Shamdasani said.
with the death of 18 people, Myanmar saw one of the bloodiest protests against military coup in the country. The protesters have been demanding the restoration of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi which was ousted by a military coup on February 1 this year.
-ARK
