Protests in Myanmar: Parade in capital, deaths across the country

Myanmar’s military junta wanted to show its strength with a parade on “Army Day”. The protest movement once again mobilized at the national level against the military. At least 70 people died.

After its violent seizure of power, the Myanmar army wanted to show its strength with a large parade. Soldiers with torches and flags marched through the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, on Saturday, “Army Day” in Myanmar, flanked by military vehicles. There were protests against the military across the country.

The head of the military junta, General Min Aung Hlaing, once again defended the military coup on February 1 and promised to hand over power to a new government after new elections. At the same time, the general issued a warning to opponents of the junta. “Terrorism, which can be detrimental to the peace and security of the state,” is unacceptable, he said. “The democracy we want would be undisciplined if we do not respect it and violate the law.”

At least 70 dead

Since the military coup, the Myanmar junta has faced massive and brutal protests. More than 2,600 protesters have been arrested since the protests began and more than 280 people have died, according to Myanmar human rights activists. The protesters are demanding, among other things, the release of the de facto de facto head of the government Aung San Suu Kyi and a return to the democratic process.

On the day of the military parade alone, according to media reports, at least 70 protesters were killed across the country when so-called security forces opened fire in several cities. The news portal “Myanmar Now” even spoke of at least 91 deaths in 40 cities. In the commercial metropolis of Yangon, police officers took action against protesters before dawn. According to the Reuters news agency, seven people died.

Shots without warning

In the northeastern city of Lashio, security forces fired at students. “The army and the police just came and shot them,” a witness told the AFP news agency. “They did not warn the protesters and used live ammunition.” There were also clashes in the city of Mandalay; According to Reuters, 13 people are said to have died.

Military parade largely boycotted

With “Army Day”, Myanmar commemorates the beginning of the resistance against the Japanese occupation. Foreign government officials also often participate in the military parade on the occasion. The military junta is not recognized by many states, so only eight foreign delegations participated, including representatives from China and Russia.

On the occasion of the parade, the protest movement had called new demonstrations against the coup. Observers fear that the confrontation between the military and its opponents will escalate.

In view of the growing number of victims, international pressure on the junta has been mounting for weeks. UN Secretary General António Guterres had repeatedly condemned the violence and called for a strong and united response from the world community. The United States, Britain and the EU imposed new sanctions on those responsible in Myanmar.