YANGON, Myanmar (AP) – Protesters in Myanmar fired slingshots and threw Molotov cocktails into the lines of security forces after being attacked on Wednesday in a rare incidence of anti-coup demonstrators against relentless violent repression.
The growing resistance comes after an organization said more than 200 people have been killed since the acquisition on February 1.
At least two people were shot dead during the protests on Wednesday in Kalay, in northwestern Myanmar, according to press and social media posts that include photos of the victims.
Smoke and fires were seen in Kalay and Yangon on Wednesday night, allegedly by authorities burning barricades that protesters set up during the day.
The protests against the coup that overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi showed remarkable staying power and largely remained peaceful, despite restrictions on access to the Internet, the imposition of martial law in some places and an extraordinarily violent response from the police.
Protesters have found innovative ways to continue facing violence, including aligning posters as their substitutes or coconuts painted with the words “Spring Revolution”.
But on Wednesday, after security forces apparently shot them in the country’s largest city, Yangon, the protesters initially fled – but then went back to hide behind sandbag barricades. Some dropped incendiary bombs, while others took aim with slingshots – although the forces were too far away to be hit.
Pope Francis called for an end to the bloodshed on Wednesday.
In an apparent reference to the widespread images of a nun in Myanmar, kneeling on the street in front of the armed security forces begging them not to shoot the protesters, Francisco said: “I also kneel on the streets of Myanmar and say: What violence to stop . “
Protesters last week in response to increased police violence began to take a more aggressive approach to self-defense – burning tires at the barricades and backing down when they could against the attacks.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Committee Representing Pyihtaungsu Hluttaw – an organization of elected members of Parliament that the military has forbidden to occupy their seats, but which have established themselves as an alternative government to the junta – announced that the general public has a legal right to legitimate defense against security forces. The committee was previously called a traitorous organization by the junta, which declared it illegal.
State television MRTV announced late on Tuesday that the committee’s nominee as special envoy to the UN was accused of high treason, which carries a death sentence.
Dr. Sasa, who uses a single name, is hidden, but has often been in contact with journalists, diplomats and others via videoconference.
The coup reversed years of slow progress towards democracy in Myanmar, which suffered for five decades under strict military rule that led to isolation and international sanctions.
The independent Association of Assistance to Political Prisoners, which maintains a record of deaths related to repression, said that as of Tuesday 202 people were killed and 2,181 arrested or charged.
“Junta forces are targeting protesters, but also ordinary people using sniper rifles, regardless of time or place,” according to the association.
“Some wounded were arrested and died without access to medical treatment, some individuals died of torture during interrogation, others who were shot dead in an offensive were dragged without mercy and their corpses are not being returned to their families by the forces of the junta ”Said the association, repeating widespread and credible claims.
The board has denied any abusive actions, but admits that protesters were shot while participating in what it described as turmoil. Their death toll is much lower than others.
The head of the Independent Investigation Mechanism for Myanmar, created by the UN Human Rights Council to collect evidence of the most serious international crimes and violations of international law committed in the country, urged recipients of illegal orders to make contact when it is safe.
Nicholas Koumjian said that those most responsible for these crimes “are usually those in high leadership positions”, not the perpetrators. To prove responsibility, he explained, it is necessary to prove reports, orders and how policies were defined.
“This is usually not evidence that can be provided by the victims, but it does require those who have received or become aware of illegal orders or policies to reveal the truth,” said Koumjian. When safe, messages should be sent to [email protected]
In addition to the violence, the junta also initially arrested hundreds of important politicians and kept Suu Kyi, who was the de facto leader of the country before the acquisition, in custody and accused her of several crimes that her supporters say were politically motivated.
Regional media and social media posts reported new peaceful protest marches on Wednesday in cities and towns including Taungoo, Thayet, Myingyan and Madaya, all in central Myanmar; Tamu, in the northwest near the border with India, and Pyay, on the Irrawaddy River, northwest of Yangon.
The government ordered the closure of the mobile internet data service on Sunday. Wi-Fi access, which is much less extensive, has been left on. But some users reported on Wednesday that he was slow, making it difficult to upload photos and videos.
Several neighborhoods in Yangon have been under martial law since Monday, putting them under full military control, which also makes it difficult for protesters to organize and communicate.