"Myanma Military Court Sentences 19 to Death for Killing Soldiers"

In Mandalay, a regional city in Myanmar, protesters held a street march on the 8th (local time) carrying a banner with the slogan "General Strike Against Military Dictatorship." [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] On the 9th (local time), a Myanmar military court sentenced 19 people to death for killing soldiers.

Japan's Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that this is presumed to be the first death sentence since martial law was declared in Yangon and other areas in mid-last month, and serious crimes have been handled by military courts.

It was also stated that appeals to higher courts are not allowed, and only Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing can overturn or reduce the death sentences. In Myanmar, death sentences have been issued for about 30 years but none have been carried out.

The individuals sentenced to death this time were charged with attacking two soldiers with knives and clubs in North Okkalapa, Yangon, on the 27th of last month, which is 'Myanmar Armed Forces Day,' killing one and injuring another. It was also reported that they seized motorcycles and guns after the attack.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a Myanmar human rights organization, stated that since the coup, 614 people, including 48 children, have been killed by the military and police as of the day before yesterday.

However, at a military press conference, it was claimed that 248 people have died so far, including 16 military and police personnel. They also stated that Myanmar is returning to normal, and government ministries and banks will soon resume full operations.

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