JAKARTA - UN Human Rights Investigator in Myanmar Thomas Andrews said at least 70 protesters against Myanmar's military coup had been killed since the military took power on February 1.
In a statement issued Thursday March 11 to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Thomas Andrews, the Myanmar military regime, was accused of committing murder, torture and ill-treatment which may constitute crimes against humanity.
It said more than half of those who died were under the age of 25. Meanwhile, more than 2,000 people have been detained illegally since the military regime seized power and violence against protesters continues to increase.
"The country of Myanmar is being controlled by a murderous and illegal regime. There is ample video evidence of security forces brutally beating protesters, medics and observers," he told Reuters.
"There were shocking videos after the attack, including fatal gunshot wounds to the heads of protesters, and videos of soldiers dragging or carrying the bodies of their victims," he added.
Chan Aye, permanent secretary of Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the authorities have focused on maintaining law and order.
"The authorities have completely refrained from dealing with violent protests," he said.
Andrews, a former member of the US Congress, said basic rights to freedom of expression and assembly were denied in Myanmar. He called for multilateral sanctions on the leaders of the junta, as well as the Myanmar military-owned Oil and Gas Company, whose revenues from natural gas projects are set to reach $ 1 billion this year.
"Sanctions are only truly effective if they are combined and coordinated," Andrews said.
Meanwhile, according to The Irrawaddy, at least 12 people died during last Thursday. In Yangon, a protester named Ko Chit Mun Thu was killed he was shot dead in the morning. The bullet pierced the artificial shield to his head.
Meanwhile, one death toll was also reported in the Bago Region and Mandalay Region. In Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region, 22-year-old Ko Htoo Aung Kyaw, who was shot in the eye on Wednesday during the crackdown, has died.
The highest number of deaths on Thursday was reported in Myaing Township, Magwe Region. Eight protesters were shot dead in the city, while eight others had gunshot wounds with two of them critically.
One resident said peaceful protesters were staging a sit-in to demand the release of the two young protesters. However, they immediately faced the repressive and brutal actions of the Myanmar military regime.
“This is terrible. How can they be so brutal towards civilians? Someone's head exploded and his brain fell before my eyes, "he snapped.
Myanmar Coup. The VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Casualties from civilians continue to fall. Readers can follow the news surrounding the Myanmar military coup by tapping on this link.
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