Today, at least 93 protesters were shot dead by security forces in Myanmar during mass protests to reject the military rule that toppled the government of Aung San Sochi, which sparked an international wave of condemnation over what happened in the bloodiest day since the coup.
Today, the Myanmar army celebrated the Armed Forces Day with parades and speeches, despite the increasingly bloody protests against the ruling regime since the coup in the country last month.
The head of the military council, General Min Aung Hlaing, said during a parade in the capital Naypyidaw to celebrate the event, that the army will protect the people and strive for democracy.
On Friday, state television reported that the protesters were at risk of being shot "in the head and back". Despite this, the protesters of the February 1 coup took to the streets of Yangon, Mandalay and other cities and towns.
Local media reported that a boy as young as five was among at least 29 killed in Mandalay, and added that at least 24 had been killed in Yangon.
"Today is a day of shame for the armed forces," said Dr. Sasa, a spokesman for the anti-military council "CRBH" group established by the elected representatives who were ousted by the coup.
Saturday's death toll brings the total number of civilians reported killed since the coup to more than 400.
Protesters took to the streets of Yangon, Mandalay and other cities and towns despite threats of repression (Reuters)
International condemnation
In terms of international reactions, a statement said that the United Nations "is horrified by the unnecessary loss of life today when there are reports of dozens of deaths by army bullets across the country on the bloodiest day since the coup."
For his part, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that the violent suppression of the protests, which saw more than 90 deaths in Myanmar, represents a new turning point, adding that Britain will work with its international partners to hold those responsible for the violence accountable, and to ensure a way to restore democracy to the country.
In the context, a US embassy statement said that security forces are killing unarmed civilians, including children, on the Day of the Armed Forces in Myanmar, and they are the same people they have sworn to protect. “The bloodshed is terrifying. These are not the actions of an army or a professional police.”
For its part, the European Union Mission in Myanmar described Saturday as a “day of terror and shame,” writing the mission “The killing of defenseless civilians, including children, is an indefensible act. The European Union stands with the people of Myanmar and calls for an immediate end to violence and the restoration of democracy. ".
The US and European sanctions last week increased external pressure on the ruling military council in Myanmar, but the condemnation is not comprehensive, as diplomats said that representatives of 8 countries attended the military parade on Saturday on the occasion of Armed Forces Day, and these countries are Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.