The killing of more than 90 anti-coup protesters in Myanmar has drawn global outrage, with Defence Ministers of 12 nations condemning the military.
The US accused the security forces of a ‘reign of terror’, the deadliest day since last month’s coup. Today, funerals were held, with some reports the military had tried to intervene in the mourning.
More than 400 people have now been killed in the suppression of protests in Myanmar since 1st February coup. The military seized control of the South East Asian country after an election which Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party won by a landslide.
The defence chiefs of a dozen nations, including the UK, today issued a rare joint statement condemning the military’s violent actions. The US, Japan and Australia were also among the signatories of a statement that said a professional military follows international standards for conduct and is responsible for protecting – not harming – the people it serves.
The US said it is horrified by the killings. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused the military of sacrificing the lives of the people to serve the few. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is deeply shocked by the violence and British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called it a new low. UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews called for an international emergency summit.
China and Russia have not joined the criticism, which means taking action through the UN Security Council – where they have vetoes – could be difficult.
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