Protesters are dispersed as riot police fire tear gas behind a makeshift barricade in Yangon, Myanmar (AP)Police in Myanmar’s ancient former capital, Bagan, opened fire on Sunday on demonstrators protesting over last month’s military takeover, wounding several people, according to witness accounts and videos on social media. Large protests have occurred daily in many cities and towns across Myanmar, and security forces have responded with greater use of lethal force and mass arrests. At least 18 protesters were shot and killed on February 28, and 38 on Wednesday, according to the UN Human Rights Office. Expand Close Anti-coup protesters wearing helmets and face masks march during an anti-coup protest in Mandalay (AP) / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Anti-coup protesters wearing helmets and face masks march during an anti-coup protest in Mandalay (AP)The coup reversed years of slow progress toward democracy in Myanmar, which for five decades had languished under strict military rule that led to international isolation and sanctions. “I have a good life here, but I’m fighting for my relatives and families and friends in Myanmar.

Source: Irish Independent March 07, 2021 09:11 UTC