BANGKOK— Myanmar's security forces have
killed more than 1,000
civilians since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi from power six months ago,
an advocacy group said on Wednesday.
اضافة اعلان
The country has been in turmoil since February 1, when the armed forces
seized power in a lightning coup, triggering dissent as protesters demanded a
return to democracy.
Security forces responded with
bloody crackdowns, using live rounds against
civilians. But anti-junta mobs — some of whom have formed self-defense groups —
are still taking to the streets daily in flash marches.
Activist group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners — which
verifies the deaths and mass arrests under the regime — said the number of people
killed by security forces reached 1,001 on Wednesday.
The actual number is likely far higher, said AAPP's joint secretary Ko Bo
Gyi.
"As long as the military is in power, they will continue to kill
youths, professionals like doctors and teachers, men, women and children,"
he said.
"They are not only killing our lives but the country's future and
democratic hopes."
Ko Bo Gyi — whose group has been named an "unlawful" organization
by the junta and is currently in hiding — also accused authorities of "weaponizing"
COVID-19 as the country weathers a deadly surge.
So far, Myanmar has recorded more than 360,000 cases and 13,623 deaths from COVID-19.
The health crisis has been aggravated by a lack of formal medical care as
many hospitals have been emptied of staff joining nationwide strikes against
the junta.
Patients are also reluctant to go to military-run hospitals, creating long
lines for oxygen and medical supplies in pharmacies across Yangon.
The junta has repeatedly justified the coup by alleging widespread fraud in
last year's election and given much lower civilian death tolls.
Authorities also said in June that more than 90 members of the security
forces have been killed in clashes.
Deposed leader Suu Kyi is facing a raft of criminal charges, from possessing
illegal walkie-talkies to violating the state secrets act.
Army chief Min Aung Hlaing was installed as the prime minister of a
"caretaker" government, which the junta has dubbed the State
Administration Council.
Read more
Region and World
.jpg)
.jpg)
