20 more people killed in Myanmar as UN says victims include women and children
At least 20 more people were allegedly killed in Myanmar as a result of the military cracking down on coup protesters, with the UN saying women and children are among the victims. Now, according to the UN, at least 138 peaceful protesters have been killed since the February 1 military coup. Last Saturday saw 18 people killed, while Sunday saw 44 deaths, adding to the 20 recorded yesterday by The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
The organisation says casualties are dramatically increasing with witnesses on the ground saying security forces are allegedly using tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds against protesters in near-daily crackdowns across the country.
The organisation says the bulk of Monday’s casualties were of anti-coup protesters, but some were civilians who were not taking part in the demonstrations. The news corroborates a statement made by the UN’s top expert on rights in Myanmar, Thomas Andrews,who says the Myanmar military is likely “committing crimes against humanity.“
Andrews, reportedly made the revelation to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. He went on to say that the country is “controlled by a murderous, illegal regime.” Such damning accusations, along with increasing violence have prompted Britain to advise its citizens to leave the country.
Sunday marked the single deadliest day since the coup so far, resulting in 6 townships in Yangon being placed under martial law. The declaration means that anyone arrested in those townships could face trial by military tribunal, rather than civilian courts, with sentences varying from a minimum of 3 years of hard labour to execution.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s government is responding to the political instability in neighbouring Myanmar, by announcing plans to set up refugee camps for those who are fleeing the violence. The Royal Thai Army says the camps will be set up in Ranong and Chumphon provinces, which border Myanmar’s southern-most regions.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
