Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Residents march despite an overnight curfew in an anti-coup night rally in Yangon AP/PA Images

Myanmar's junta declares martial law after dozens of protesters killed in latest crackdown

The UN has condemned the “continuing bloodshed” in Myanmar.

MYANMAR’S RULING JUNTA has declared martial law in a wide area of the country’s largest city, after security forces killed dozens of protesters over the weekend in an increasingly lethal crackdown on resistance to last month’s military coup.

The United Nations said at least 138 peaceful protesters have been killed in Myanmar since the 1 February military coup, including at least 56 over the weekend.

The developments were the latest setback to hopes of resolving the crisis that started with the military’s seizure of power that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

A grassroots movement has sprung up across the country to challenge the takeover with almost daily protests which the army has tried to crush with increasingly deadly violence

State broadcaster MRTV said the Yangon townships of North Dagon, South Dagon, Dagon Seikkan and North Okkalapa have been put under martial law. That was in addition to two others — Hlaing Thar Yar and neighbouring Shwepyitha — announced late yesterday.

More violence was reported around the country on Monday, with at least eight protesters in four cities or towns killed, according to the independent broadcaster and news service Democratic Voice of Burma.

Photos and videos posted on social media showed long convoys of trucks entering Yangon.

At least 38 people were killed yesterday, the majority in the Hlaing Thar Yar area of Yangon, and 18 were killed on Saturday, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The total includes women and children, according to the UN human rights office.

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres “strongly condemns this ongoing violence against peaceful protesters and the continuing violation of the fundamental human rights of the people of Myanmar”, Dujarric said.

The UN chief was renewing his call on the international community, including regional countries, “to come together in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations”, the spokesman said.

Earlier today, UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, condemned the “continuing bloodshed” which has frustrated calls from the Security Council and other parties for restraint and dialogue.

“The ongoing brutality, including against medical personnel and destruction of public infrastructure, severely undermines any prospects for peace and stability,” she said.

Complicating efforts to organise new protests, as well as media coverage of the crisis, mobile phone internet service has been cut, although access is still available through fixed broadband connections.

Mobile data service had been used to stream live video coverage of protests, often showing security forces attacking demonstrators. It previously had been turned off only from 1am to 9am for several weeks, with no official explanation.

The blockage of internet service forced postponement of a court hearing in the capital, Natpyitaw, for Myanmar’s detained leader Ms Suu Kyi, who was supposed to take part by video conference, said her lawyer Khin Maung Zaw.

Suu Kyi and President Win Myint were detained during the coup, and have been charged with several criminal offences that their supporters believe are politically motivated to keep them locked up.

Since the takeover, Myanmar has been under a nationwide state of emergency, with military leaders in charge of all government, but Sunday’s announcement was the first use of martial law since the coup and suggested more direct handling of security by the military instead of police.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 4 comments
Close
4 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seán Dillon
    Favourite Seán Dillon
    Report
    Mar 15th 2021, 10:36 PM

    UN condemns!! why not do something tangible, wasters!

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul
    Favourite Paul
    Report
    Mar 16th 2021, 1:22 AM

    @Seán Dillon: such as?

    These are human rights abuses. The junta leaders won’t get away with it.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Cunningham
    Favourite Paul Cunningham
    Report
    Mar 16th 2021, 2:22 AM

    @Paul: China gets away with countless human rights abuses everyday, and their influence in the junta is an extension of their policies. They have a seat on the UNSC and love to veto.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ally Mc Culladgh
    Favourite Ally Mc Culladgh
    Report
    Mar 16th 2021, 12:14 AM

    This is China pushing for more and more of a crack down on peaceful protestors, I guess the police weren’t brutal and violent enough, now the Junta takes over, I despair. In articles I always mention someone who is worth a follow to see what’s happening in Myanmar. A few words on a page and a photo doesn’t show it.

    Wai Wai Nu
    https://twitter.com/waiwainu

    Peace, Human Rights & Women Rights Advocator.

    https://twitter.com/hey_hnin/status/1371392502008139779

    Another brave young girl who was always in the frontline was shot to death by Military again this morning at Myingyan. Their brutality is getting worse day after day.

    This is what tyranny looks like.

    23
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds