We are united. It is behind this slogan that many demonstrators gather in Burma. This Thursday, rallies continue in the streets of the country, but fear is on everyone’s minds in the aftermath of the deadliest day of repression since the coup, with at least 38 protesters killed, according to the UN . In Yangon, the economic capital, small gatherings have formed. Protesters protect themselves behind makeshift barricades built with old tires, bricks, sandbags, bamboo and barbed wire.
Not far from there, traders hurry to sell some of their merchandise. “It’s dangerous to stay here. The police and the army are also shooting in the streets. It is better to go home and come back in the evening, ”a food seller told Agence France-Presse. The army seems more determined than ever to put out the sling wind which has been blowing over the country since the coup d’etat of 1is February against the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Security forces fired live ammunition in several towns on Wednesday to disperse pro-democracy rallies, with images posted on social media showing protesters covered in blood and gunshot wounds to the head. Assessment, at least 38 dead, according to the UN envoy for Burma, the Swiss Christine Schraner Burgener. More than 50 civilians have been killed and dozens injured since the putsch. Among the victims, four minors, including a 14-year-old teenager, according to the NGO Save the Children. The army for its part reported a police officer who died while dispersing a demonstration. Asked, she did not respond to multiple requests from Agence France-Presse.
” Everything will be alright “
The Burmese continue to bury their dead. A large crowd gathered Thursday in Mandalay, the country’s second city, for the funeral of a 19-year-old girl who died the day before. “There will be no forgiveness for you until the end of the world,” sang the assembly, gathered before their coffin surrounded by flowers.
My Kyay Sin has become a symbol in the country: a photo of her, shortly before being targeted by a fatal shot, wearing an “Everything will be fine” t-shirt has gone viral on social networks. Aung San Suu Kyi’s party has announced that it is putting flags at half mast in its offices to commemorate the dead.
Washington “horrified and repulsed”
Wednesday’s violence sparked yet another round of international protests. President Emmanuel Macron urged “an immediate end to the crackdown” and the US State Department said it was “horrified and revolted”, calling on China to “use its influence” with the generals. Beijing and Moscow, traditional allies of the Burmese army at the United Nations, have not formally condemned the coup, considering the crisis as “an internal affair” in the country.
The UN Security Council had to content itself in a joint declaration issued in early February to express its concern. The UK has requested that it meet again on Friday. Christine Schraner Burgener spoke to the junta, warning them that the United Nations “could take important steps” to try to put an end to the violence. She also offered to go to Burma, the army telling her that she was welcome, but “not now”.
Judicial repression
The repression also continues in the judicial field. Aung San Suu Kyi, still held incommunicado by the army, is now targeted by four charges, including “incitement to public disturbance”. Former President Win Myint is notably accused of having violated the Constitution. Six Burmese journalists, including Thein Zaw, a photographer for the American agency Associated Press (AP), are being prosecuted for “causing fear among the population, spreading false information (…) or inciting government employees to the desobedience “. They face three years in prison.
Almost 1,500 people have been arrested, charged or sentenced since 1is February, according to an NGO assisting political prisoners, a number which is undoubtedly largely underestimated. The last popular uprisings of 1988 and 2007 were bloodily suppressed by the military. The army, which is contesting the result of the November elections won overwhelmingly by Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, has promised a new ballot, without giving any timetable.
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