Dozens dead in a bloody day in Myanmar

More than 38 anti-coup protesters were killed by army bullets in Myanmar, prompting the military council, late Sunday, to impose martial law in two densely populated towns in Yangon.

The violence that took place today raised the death toll in the mass protests since the army ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power to about 100, although activists and rights groups believe that the number may be higher, according to Agence France-Presse.

The junta has repeatedly justified its coup in power by claiming widespread fraud in the November elections, which Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won by an overwhelming majority.

In turn, state media announced late, that the huge town of Hlaing Thariar in Yangon and the neighboring town of Shwipitha would be subject to martial law, areas known as vast and impoverished towns with their industrial facilities and home to garment factories.

While the military council grants the authority of administrative and judicial martial law to the Yangon district commander, to control security and maintain the rule of law and calm more effectively, as he put it.

It is noteworthy that, in recent weeks, the army and police have launched almost daily crackdowns against demonstrators calling for a return to democracy, using tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to quell the anti-coup protests.

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