Burma: France "calls for an immediate end to repression"

"France calls for an immediate end to the repression in Burma, to release those detained and to respect the democratic choice of the Burmese people" at the polls, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a tweet on Wednesday.

"We are by your side," he wrote, adding his voice to the concert of international protests as at least 38 demonstrators for democracy were killed, and several injured, Wednesday in Burma by security forces who continue to fire live ammunition.

France calls for an immediate end to the repression in Burma, to release those detained and to respect the democratic choice of the Burmese people expressed in the last elections.

We are by your side.

- Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 3, 2021

The UN envoy for Burma, the Swiss Christine Schraner Burgener, for her part called on the members of the UN to take "strong" sanctions.

"I had a discussion with the army and warned it that member states and the Security Council could take important, strong measures," she said during a press video conference.

The junta intensifies its response

The junta seems more determined than ever to put down the wind of rebellion that has been blowing over this country since the February 1 coup against the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Still held in secrecy, she is targeted by four charges, including "incitement to public disturbances".

Despite fear of reprisals, protesters continue to take to the streets to demand the departure of the putschist generals and the release of the hundreds of detainees imprisoned in recent weeks.

Internet shutdowns, strengthening of the legislative arsenal, waves of arrests, recourse to lethal weapons: faced with pro-democracy mobilization, the junta has continued to step up its response.

Sunday had already been particularly murderous with at least 18 demonstrators killed, according to the UN.