The UN Security Council on Wednesday condemned for the first time the violence against anti-coup protesters in Myanmar and urged the military to exercise utmost restraint.
In an agreed statement, the Council said it "strongly condemns the violence against peaceful protestors, including against women, youth and children."
Murders, torture & arrests have virtually stopped mass demonstrations in downtown Yangon. Yet hundreds of people in the suburban townships of North Okkalapa, North Dagon, Thingangyun & Hlaing have kept protesting, as have residents of other cities nationwide. pic.twitter.com/SDnwWRhv9H
— Myanmar Now (@Myanmar_Now_Eng) March 11, 2021
"The Council calls for the military to exercise utmost restraint and emphasizes that it is following the situation closely," said the statement.
Condemnation of the coup was not included in the statement due to China and Russia's objections.
The 15-member body reiterated its call for the immediate release of members of the government, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.
"The Security Council reaffirms its support for the people of Myanmar and its strong commitment to the sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and unity of Myanmar," said the statement.
On Thursday, the Council's members expressed deep concern over the situation in the Southeast Asian country in a statement that stopped short of condemning the military coup.
Myanmar continues to face popular demonstrations against the military's Feb. 1 seizure of power from the democratically elected government.
Red Code at Myaing, Magaway Division? Myanmar Military Terrorist group dispersed the strike forcefully. As of the news there are at least 6ppl dead and still need to check more. #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar #Mar11Coup
— May (@Sunflow24456399) March 11, 2021
STOP ONSLAUGHT pic.twitter.com/OiismWB2ys
The anti-coup protests that started on Feb. 6 have continued for over a month in many cities and towns across the country as opponents of the coup demand the release of elected officials and the end of the military junta.
At least 65 people have been killed during the military crackdown.
On Wednesday, at least 200 people were arrested when military forces and police raided townships and a railway residential compound in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city and commercial hub.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
