Today's death toll included five in Monywa; two in Mandalay, one hit in the chest and one in the head; two in Myingyan, one in Magway, and one in Yangon. Strikes and acts of civil disobedience are spreading across the country. Some 34 journalists have been arrested, many for spreading “fake news”. Thousands have been arrested. ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting yields no results.
Yangon (AsiaNews) – At least 10 people have been killed in several Myanmar cities after security forces fired on demonstrators protesting last month’s military coup.
ASEAN foreign ministers, who yesterday condemned violence against the civilian population , tried again to promote talks with the new military government.
Also yesterday, the head of the new junta, General Min Aung Hlaing,asked security forces not to shoot at people, perhaps to please ASEAN or to curb international criticism.
Myanmar’s rulers are increasingly frustrated that protests are showing no sign of abating and that strikes and acts of civil disobedience are multiplying in more and more cities, and slowing down the economy.
For their part, soldiers are becoming increasingly violent – with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and live rounds – in their response to growing popular pressure and calls for end to the coup d'état and the release of democratically elected political leaders,
Today, AsiaNews sources reported five deaths in Monywa; two in Mandalay, one hit in the chest and one in the head; two in Myingyan, one in Magway, and one in Yangon.
In Yangon, the country's economic capital, police wearing riot gear and carrying firearms faced off against protesters wielding handmade shields and helmets, behind barricades of tyres and bamboo poles erected to hold back the police.
Meanwhile, the death toll is rising with more than 30 dead, hundreds injured, and thousands thrown in prison. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, 34 journalists have also been arrested. Of these, 19 were released, whilst the others were charged with spreading “fake news”.
Yesterday ASEAN foreign ministers held a virtual meeting to discuss the crisis together with junta representative Wunna Maung Lwin.
Many Myanmar groups and many NGOs have criticised the move because it appears to acknowledge the coup. In any case, the talk proved fruitless.
After the meeting, Indonesian Minister Retno Marsudi appeared frustrated at the junta's lack of cooperation.