UN Predicts "Strong Sanctions"
Police Arrest Hundreds of Citizens
UN Security Council Meeting Scheduled for the 5th
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The worst bloodshed has occurred in Myanmar as police violently suppressed protesters opposing the military coup. The international community is urgently responding, with the United States considering additional sanctions against Myanmar.
On the 3rd (local time), protests against the military took place across Myanmar, and indiscriminate police gunfire resulted in at least 38 deaths, marking the highest death toll since the coup on the 1st of last month. At least 18 deaths occurred in the largest city, Yangon alone. It is also reported that more than four children lost their lives.
According to testimonies from citizens participating in the protests, police fired live bullets indiscriminately at civilians during the crackdown. One citizen said, "It is so shocking. It is a massacre itself. The current situation in Myanmar is beyond words." Another citizen told The Guardian in an interview, "The police fired indiscriminately at protesters," adding, "The streets are filled with corpses."
Among the university students who died that day was a 19-year-old girl named 'Angel' or Chial Shin, whose body bore the message "Please donate my organs if I die," evoking deep sorrow among citizens. She was shot in the head by police gunfire and died instantly.
Shin, known to be fond of Taekwondo, drew attention by wearing a T-shirt with the phrase "Everything will be OK" during the protest. Foreign media reported that photos of her wearing this T-shirt are rapidly spreading on social networking services (SNS).
A photo of Angel or Chial Shin, who lost their life participating in protests against the Myanmar military coup. Source=SNS
Meanwhile, protesters wore helmets and self-made shields to prepare for the police's harsh crackdown as they marched through the streets.
Videos posted on local SNS showed police forces dispersing tear gas at protesters, and even footage capturing paramedics who came to treat the injured protesters being beaten.
AP News explained that the reason police also used violence against medical personnel is that "Myanmar medical staff have been conducting a civil disobedience movement against the military since last month," and "the military is cracking down on this resistance by medical workers."
In addition, police reportedly arrested hundreds of citizens, including journalists. According to UN figures, more than 1,200 citizens have been detained since the coup.
On the same day, Christine Schraner Burgener, the UN Special Envoy on Myanmar, held a press conference and warned, "A real war could break out in Myanmar," urging, "UN member states must respond strongly to the brutal crackdown by the Myanmar military." She added, "The Security Council may impose strong sanctions," warning that "Myanmar's isolation could deepen further."
The U.S. government also condemned the military's harsh crackdown related to the bloodshed in Myanmar. Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said, "We are horrified by today's bloodshed," and urged, "All countries must unite in condemning the Myanmar military's brutal violence against its own people." He also demanded the release of six journalists, including an AP reporter detained locally.
In response, the U.S. government is considering additional sanctions against Myanmar. Spokesperson Price stated, "Along with the visa restrictions already implemented, we will consider additional sanctions." He indicated that instead of broad economic sanctions that could affect the Myanmar people, the U.S. plans to implement targeted "pinpoint" sanctions aimed at senior military officials.
Despite the firm stance of the UN and the U.S., the Myanmar military shows no sign of yielding. According to Special Envoy Burgener, immediately after the UN announced it was considering additional sanctions, the Myanmar military stated, "We have endured numerous sanctions from the international community so far," and "We will survive any pressure from foreign forces."
Meanwhile, on the 5th, the UN plans to convene the Security Council to discuss sanctions and other measures against Myanmar. AP News predicted, "China and Russia are expected to oppose sanctions against Myanmar at this Security Council meeting," and "Ultimately, only some countries like the U.S. and the U.K. will be able to implement their own sanctions."
Previously, the Security Council held an emergency meeting on the 2nd of last month, the day after the coup, and drafted a statement condemning the military coup and calling for strong responses. However, it was not finalized due to opposition from Russia and China. Subsequently, at the request of China and Russia, a statement emphasizing efforts to resolve the situation through dialogue with the military forces was finalized and released.
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