Read more about UN claims 18 deaths in Myanmar’s weekend crackdown on Business Standard. The UN Human Rights Office says it has “credible information” of at least 18 deaths across Myanmar on Sunday during a crackdown on anti-military protesters
The Office says it has “credible information” of at least 18 deaths across on Sunday during a crackdown on anti-military protesters. Unofficial sources say the death toll could be anywhere between 25 and 30, as quite a few protesters were reported missing. More than 30 protesters were wounded, rescue workers and the Burmese media said. “The deaths reportedly occurred as a result of live ammunition fired into the 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 Office said in a statement. “We strongly condemn the escalating violence against the protesters in and call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protesters,” Asia spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani was quoted as saying. This surely would be the highest single-day death toll of protesters since the military seized power on February 1. The protesters, whose ranks have swelled by each passing day across Myanmar, are demanding that the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi be restored to power. An Associated Press journalist, Thein Zaw, was taken into police custody on Saturday while covering the protests who is yet to be released.
