Myanmar military killed 82 anti-coup protesters in Bago, non-profit says

Bangkok, Apr 11 (EFE).- Myanmar security forces have killed at least 82 anti-coup protesters in a daylong violent crackdown in Bago city near Yangon, a monitoring group said Sunday.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said that Bago became a “killing field” Friday in a “dawn to dusk” clampdown on the protesters in the city, about 70 km (43 miles) northeast of Yangon.

The group warned that the casualty figures were “likely much higher.”

The security forces used explosive devices, similar to those used in wars, and fired large-caliber weapons at the protesters carrying tools like slingshots.

“Some were injured and requesting medical treatment, but the military terrorists did not allow any help. Some were therefore killed from excessive bleeding. Dead and injured bodies piled up together,” said the advocacy group.

Some of the city’s 250,000 inhabitants have fled to nearby villages, fearing more military repression.

The security forces have set up checkpoints at the exits, according to local media reports.

Despite the brutal repression by the security forces, thousands of protesters continue to demonstrate in the streets against the military, which seized power in a coup on Feb.1.

Hundreds of people took to the streets of Bago in defiance of the military on Saturday despite the previous day’s massacre.

At least 701 people have died in the violence unleashed by the security forces after the military coup, according to AAPP.

It said 3,012 people, including the ousted leader of the civilian government Aung San Suu Kyi, remain in detention.

The military justifies its coup alleging fraud in the November elections, in which Suu Kyi’s party won a landslide and were described as legitimate by international observers. EFE

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