A gradual use of force, even live ammunition ... New protest rallies against the military coup in Burma were violently dispersed this Sunday by the security forces.
Some media and local sources report three protesters were killed in Dawei, a coastal town in the south of the country.
This severely suppressed campaign of civil disobedience has been in place since the coup that overthrew civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1.
Again this Sunday, the authorities gradually stepped up the use of force to disperse the demonstrators, with tear gas first, then water cannons and rubber bullets and finally sometimes with live ammunition.
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In the morning, the security forces were mobilized in large numbers to quickly disperse the crowds that gathered in response to a call for further demonstrations.
Three people were killed and around 20 others were injured when authorities intervened against a rally in the southern coastal town of Dawei, according to a health worker and local media.
Pyae Zaw Hein, a rescue volunteer, said the three were "hit by live ammunition", while the wounded were hit by rubber bullets.
"There could be a lot more victims because we continue to receive wounded," he added.
"The police started shooting as soon as we arrived"
Local media Dawei Watch also reported three deaths.
There were previously at least five dead in the ranks of the demonstrators since the coup.
The army says a policeman was killed trying to disperse a demonstration.
In Yangon, the security forces also quickly dispersed a demonstration on Sunday.
But it is not known whether live ammunition was fired.
“The police started shooting as soon as we arrived,” said Amy Kyaw, a 29-year-old schoolteacher.
“There was not a word of warning.
Some were injured and some are still hiding in houses in the neighborhood.
"
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Live social media broadcasts showed security forces using tear gas against crowds in Yangon as well as water cannons in the town of Mandalay, further north.
People are shooting in Rangoon.
Let us know that people all over Burma are failing. # WhatHappenInMyanmar # HelpUs # SaveMyanmar pic.twitter.com/xAov05Rawe
- Lae Yin Htwe (@ LaeYinHtwe2) February 28, 2021
Already on Saturday, the generally peaceful gatherings had been greeted very firmly by the authorities.
At least three journalists were arrested, including a photographer from the American agency Associated Press as well as a videographer and a photographer from two Burmese agencies.
More than 850 people have been arrested, charged or sentenced for their involvement in the protests, according to an NGO helping political prisoners (AAPP).
This figure is expected to explode at the end of the weekend, with official media reporting 479 arrests for Saturday alone.
Aung San Suu Kyi still invisible
This repression has been condemned by many foreign capitals.
The United States and the European Union in particular denounced the violence used by the security forces and asked the junta to withdraw.
Aung San Suu Kyi, 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner, has not been seen in public since his arrest.
Under house arrest in the capital Naypyidaw, she was indicted for the illegal importation of walkie-talkies and then for violating coronavirus restrictions, charges for which she is due to appear on Monday.
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Despite several requests, his lawyer Khin Maung Zaw was not allowed to see his client.
“As a lawyer, I have complete confidence in the court and in the principle of a fair trial.
But in this period, anything can happen, ”he comments.
The junta on Saturday dismissed its ambassador to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun, the day after its spectacular break with military power which intensified the repression of demonstrators in the country.
Myanmar's UN envoy Kyaw Moe Tun made an emotional appeal at the United Nations for action to stop the military coup, including ending his speech with a three-fingered salute used by protesters https://t.co/n3VTj5KkIH pic.twitter.com/ SuP2ZFq94R
- Reuters (@Reuters) February 27, 2021
"We need the strongest action of the international community to immediately end the military coup, end the oppression of the innocent people and restore state power to the people," Kyaw said. Moe Tun at a special General Assembly session on Burma.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the organization had not been formally informed of the diplomat's dismissal.