Myanmar's Another 'Bloody Sunday'... At Least 38 Dead

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 14th, Myanmar military and police opened fire on protesters condemning the military coup, killing at least 38 people. As a result, the cumulative death toll from the violent crackdown has surpassed 100, just one month and a half after the military coup.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) in Myanmar reported that at least 38 protesters were killed by military and police forces in Myanmar on that day, according to major foreign media. Among the deceased, 22 were from Hlaingthaya, an industrial area in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city.

Hundreds of citizens in various parts of Yangon built sandbag barricades and barbed wire fences in preparation for the military and police crackdown while protesting.

They sat on the streets shielding themselves from the scorching sun with tarps and shouted slogans such as "We want justice." In response, the military and police ruthlessly suppressed the protesters by firing tear gas and live bullets.

Near Yangon, in Bago, a young man was shot dead by live ammunition, and local media reported that a protester also died in Phakant, Kachin State in the northeast, known for its jade mines.

Major foreign media reported that "the daily death toll of Myanmar protesters is the largest since the 38 deaths on the 3rd."

Since the coup on the 1st of last month, the violent situation has continued, and the cumulative death toll is believed to have far exceeded 100. According to local media The Irrawaddy, as of the morning of the 14th, the cumulative death toll of Myanmar protesters was at least 92.

The Myanmar military government declared martial law in two densely populated areas in Yangon, Hlaingthaya and Shwepyitha, on the afternoon of the same day, according to Myanmar state media. Additionally, major foreign media, citing Myanmar state MRTV, reported that one police officer died and three others were injured while suppressing the protests that day.

Christine Schraner Burgener, the UN Special Envoy on Myanmar, strongly condemned the bloodshed. In a statement, Special Envoy Burgener emphasized, "The international community, including regional actors, must unite in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations."

She further criticized the Myanmar military for rejecting international calls for restraint, stating, "The ongoing atrocities targeting even medical personnel and the destruction of public facilities seriously undermine prospects for peace and security."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.