Chinese factories set on fire and at least 38 killed in Myanmar’s deadliest day since coup

Helen Regan
By Helen Regan, CNN
Updated 8:08 AM EDT, Mon March 15, 2021
World News
Myanmar security forces killed at least 38 people Sunday in one of the deadliest days since the military seized power in a coup, and declared martial law in six areas after Chinese-funded factories were set on fire.
Myanmar security forces killed at least 38 people Sunday in one of the deadliest days since the military seized power in a coup, and declared martial law in six areas after Chinese-funded factories were set on fire.
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Myanmar security forces killed at least 38 people Sunday in one of the deadliest days since the military seized power in a coup, and declared martial law in six areas after Chinese-funded factories were set on fire.

The heaviest casualties were in an industrial suburb of the largest city Yangon, where military and police opened fire on unarmed protesters, killing at least 22, according to the advocacy group the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), which said Hlaingthaya district “became like a battlefield.”

In one unverified image, a protester can be seen huddling under a makeshift shield as he holds onto the shirt of a fallen fellow demonstrator.

At least 16 people were killed in other regions around the country on Sunday, including in the second city of Mandalay and in Bago, where state media said a police officer had died of a chest wound after a confrontation with protesters, Reuters reported. This is the second policeman reported dead in the protests.

The weekend’s fatalities bring the death toll since the coup to at least 126 people, according to the AAPP.

Security forces block the road as people continue to protest against military coup and detention of elected government members in in Hlaingtharya Township, Yangon on March 14.
Security forces block the road as people continue to protest against military coup and detention of elected government members in in Hlaingtharya Township, Yangon on March 14.
Stringer/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar said several Chinese-funded factories were smashed and set ablaze in Yangon’s industrial zone during protests Sunday. Chinese citizens were also injured, according to the embassy

It is unclear who the perpetrators were and no group has claimed responsibility for the fires.

“China urges Myanmar to take further effective measures to stop all acts of violence, punish the perpetrators in accordance with the law and ensure the safety of life and property of Chinese companies and personnel in Myanmar,” CGTN quoted the embassy statement.

Angel, 19, also known as Kyal Sin, who was killed during anti-coup protests in Mandalay, Myanmar March 3, 2021, is seen in unknown location in this picture uploaded on social media December 19, 2019. Instagram/@ jia_xi/REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Angel, 19, also known as Kyal Sin, who was killed during anti-coup protests in Mandalay, Myanmar March 3, 2021, is seen in unknown location in this picture uploaded on social media December 19, 2019. Instagram/@ jia_xi/REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Instagram/@ jia_xi/Reuters

She was shot dead, her body dug up and her grave filled with cement. But her fight is not over

Anti-coup protesters have been suspicious of China, with frequent demonstrations targeting the Chinese embassy in Yangon and protesters accusing Beijing of supporting the coup and junta.

While China has not outright condemned the military takeover, it backed a United Nations Security Council statement saying it “strongly condemns the violence against peaceful protestors” and called on the military to “exercise utmost restraint.”

In its statement Sunday, China called on protesters in Myanmar to express their demands lawfully and to not undermine bilateral ties with China.

Smoke rises as protests against military coup and detention of elected government members continue in Hlaingtharya Township, Yangon, on March 14.
Smoke rises as protests against military coup and detention of elected government members continue in Hlaingtharya Township, Yangon, on March 14.
Stringer/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Following the bloodshed, the military junta imposed martial law in Hlaingthaya, one of the city’s biggest districts that’s home to many poor factory workers, according to state-run news channel MRTV. Local media reported that martial law has also been declared in Yangon’s Shwepyithar district. On Monday, the military declared martial law in a further four Yangon townships of North Dagon, North Okkalapa, South Dagon and Dagon Seikkan – areas where most of the city’s factories are located.

Martial law under the junta’s regime means the military commander of the Yangon region is given “full administrative and judicial authority” in districts where martial law is declared, according to local media outlet Myanmar Now.

Mobile networks remained “disabled nationwide” despite restoration of internet connectivity on Monday following a shutdown for the 29th consecutive night, according to internet monitoring service NetBlocks. Protesters and journalists have relied on their mobile phones to live stream demonstrations and document police crackdowns.

‘People have the right to defend themselves’

As protests continue throughout Myanmar, the leader of a group of lawmakers ousted by the military has vowed to pursue a “revolution” to overturn the ruling junta.

Speaking publicly for the first time Saturday, Mahn Win Khaing Than, who was speaker of the upper house of Parliament before the coup, said in a video address on Facebook, “This is the darkest moment of the nation and the moment that the dawn is close.”

Associated Press journalist Thein Zaw in Yangon, Myanmar.
Associated Press journalist Thein Zaw in Yangon, Myanmar.
AP

Associated Press calls for release of journalist detained in Myanmar

Mahn Win Khaing Than, along with other ousted legislators from the ruling National League for Democracy Party (NLD), remains in hiding. With civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint under house arrest, former lawmakers have formed a parallel civilian government – called the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) – that are pushing for international recognition as the rightful government.

People walk in a street full of water bags to be used against tear gas, during an anti-coup protest at Hledan junction in Yangon, Myanmar, on March 14.
People walk in a street full of water bags to be used against tear gas, during an anti-coup protest at Hledan junction in Yangon, Myanmar, on March 14.
Stringer/Reuters

“In order to form a federal democracy, which all ethnic brothers, who have been suffering various kinds of oppressions from the dictatorship for decades, really desired, this revolution is the chance for us to put our efforts together,” Mahn Win Khaing Than, who is an ethnic Karen, said.

He also said that the civilian government would “attempt to legislate the required laws so that the people have the right to defend themselves” against the military crackdown, Reuters reported.

The military considers the CRPH illegal and has warned that anyone found cooperating with them will face treason charges. The CRPH has declared the Myanmar military a “terrorist organization,” according to Reuters.

On Sunday, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener released a statement condemning the “continuing bloodshed in the country as the military defies international calls, including from the Security Council, for restraint, dialogue and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

Protesters make the three-finger salute of resistance during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon, Myanmar, on Tuesday, April 27.
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Protesters make the three-finger salute of resistance during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon, Myanmar, on Tuesday, April 27.
Police officers clear a road after demonstrators spread placards in Yangon on Saturday, April 24.
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Police officers clear a road after demonstrators spread placards in Yangon on Saturday, April 24.
Protesters run from security forces during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on April 12.
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Protesters run from security forces during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on April 12.
Buses from the Yangon Bus Service are seen burnt on April 12.
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Buses from the Yangon Bus Service are seen burnt on April 12.
Police talk as they arrive at the site of a demonstration in Yangon on April 12.
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Police talk as they arrive at the site of a demonstration in Yangon on April 12.
Anti-coup protesters walk through Yangon's Hlaing township on April 9.
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Anti-coup protesters walk through Yangon's Hlaing township on April 9.
An anti-coup protester raises a decorated Easter egg along with the three-fingered salute of resistance during a demonstration in Yangon on April 4.
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An anti-coup protester raises a decorated Easter egg along with the three-fingered salute of resistance during a demonstration in Yangon on April 4.
Protesters hold homemade pipe air guns during a demonstration in Yangon on April 3.
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Protesters hold homemade pipe air guns during a demonstration in Yangon on April 3.
Protesters hold improvised weapons in Yangon on April 3.
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Protesters hold improvised weapons in Yangon on April 3.
Residents of the Tamwe area of Yangon participate in a candlelight vigil on April 3.
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Residents of the Tamwe area of Yangon participate in a candlelight vigil on April 3.
People take part in a "flower strike" in Yangon on April 2.
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People take part in a "flower strike" in Yangon on April 2.
Protesters wearing face paint stand near a burning barricade during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on March 30.
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Protesters wearing face paint stand near a burning barricade during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on March 30.
Soldiers walk toward anti-coup protesters during a demonstration in Yangon on March 30.
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Soldiers walk toward anti-coup protesters during a demonstration in Yangon on March 30.
Protesters run to avoid the military in Yangon on March 30.
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Protesters run to avoid the military in Yangon on March 30.
A man rides his bike as smoke billows from burning barricades in Yangon on March 30.
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A man rides his bike as smoke billows from burning barricades in Yangon on March 30.
Protesters throw stones and use slingshots as security forces approached in Yangon on March 28.
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Protesters throw stones and use slingshots as security forces approached in Yangon on March 28.
Smoke rises after anti-coup protesters burned tires in Yangon on March 27.
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Smoke rises after anti-coup protesters burned tires in Yangon on March 27.
Protesters make incendiary devices during an anti-coup rally in Yangon.
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Protesters make incendiary devices during an anti-coup rally in Yangon.
Smoke rises over Yangon's Thaketa Township on March 27.
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Smoke rises over Yangon's Thaketa Township on March 27.
Mourners attend the funeral of Tin Hla, a 43-year-old who was reportedly shot dead by security forces during a protest.
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Mourners attend the funeral of Tin Hla, a 43-year-old who was reportedly shot dead by security forces during a protest.
People cry in Yangon after a relative was shot during a crackdown on anti-coup protesters.
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Reuters
People cry in Yangon after a relative was shot during a crackdown on anti-coup protesters.
Protesters occupy a street during a rally in Yangon on March 27.
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AP
Protesters occupy a street during a rally in Yangon on March 27.
Protesters gesture during a march in Yangon on March 26.
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Protesters gesture during a march in Yangon on March 26.
Thein Zaw, a journalist with the Associated Press, waves after being <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/24/media/ap-journalist-myanmar/index.html" target="_blank">released from a prison</a> in Yangon on March 24. He had been detained while covering an anti-coup protest in February.
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Thein Zaw, a journalist with the Associated Press, waves after being released from a prison in Yangon on March 24. He had been detained while covering an anti-coup protest in February.
Men pray during the funeral of Khin Myo Chit, a 7-year-old girl <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/24/asia/myanmar-protests-7-year-old-killed-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">who was shot in her home</a> by Myanmar's security forces on March 23. The girl was killed during a military raid, according to the Reuters news agency and the advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
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Stringer/Reuters
Men pray during the funeral of Khin Myo Chit, a 7-year-old girl who was shot in her home by Myanmar's security forces on March 23. The girl was killed during a military raid, according to the Reuters news agency and the advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
A Buddhist monk uses binoculars as he squats behind a road barricade with others in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 22.
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A Buddhist monk uses binoculars as he squats behind a road barricade with others in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 22.
The mother of Aung Kaung Htet wails during the teenage boy's funeral on March 21. Aung, 15, was killed when military junta forces opened fire on anti-coup protesters in Yangon.
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The mother of Aung Kaung Htet wails during the teenage boy's funeral on March 21. Aung, 15, was killed when military junta forces opened fire on anti-coup protesters in Yangon.
Unidentified people cross the Tiau River at the India-Myanmar border on March 20. Some people from Myanmar <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/11/asia/myanmar-india-mizoram-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">have sought refuge in India</a> since the protests began.
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Unidentified people cross the Tiau River at the India-Myanmar border on March 20. Some people from Myanmar have sought refuge in India since the protests began.
An anti-coup protester jumps over a makeshift barricade in Yangon on March 19.
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An anti-coup protester jumps over a makeshift barricade in Yangon on March 19.
Protesters take positions on Yangon's Bayint Naung Bridge on March 17. The bridge was blocked with an improvised barricade to prevent security forces from crossing.
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AP
Protesters take positions on Yangon's Bayint Naung Bridge on March 17. The bridge was blocked with an improvised barricade to prevent security forces from crossing.
Medical students hold up the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2014/11/20/world/asia/thailand-hunger-games-salute/index.html" target="_blank">three-finger salute</a> at the Yangon funeral of Khant Nyar Hein on March 16. The first-year medical student was fatally shot during the crackdown.
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Medical students hold up the three-finger salute at the Yangon funeral of Khant Nyar Hein on March 16. The first-year medical student was fatally shot during the crackdown.
Protesters test Molotov cocktails in Yangon on March 16.
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Protesters test Molotov cocktails in Yangon on March 16.
Protesters stand near burning tires in Yangon on March 16.
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Protesters stand near burning tires in Yangon on March 16.
Anti-coup protesters pray in Yangon on March 14.
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Anti-coup protesters pray in Yangon on March 14.
Emergency workers transport the body of Shel Ye Win, who was shot by security forces in Mandalay.
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Emergency workers transport the body of Shel Ye Win, who was shot by security forces in Mandalay.
Smoke billows from the industrial zone of the Hlaing Tharyar township in Yangon on March 14. The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar said several <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/15/asia/myanmar-deaths-chinese-factories-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">Chinese-funded factories were set ablaze</a> during protests. Demonstrators have accused Beijing of supporting the coup and junta.
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Smoke billows from the industrial zone of the Hlaing Tharyar township in Yangon on March 14. The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar said several Chinese-funded factories were set ablaze during protests. Demonstrators have accused Beijing of supporting the coup and junta.
A member of Myanmar's police is seen firing a weapon toward protesters in Yangon on March 13.
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A member of Myanmar's police is seen firing a weapon toward protesters in Yangon on March 13.
People lay flowers and light candles beside bloodied pavement where protester Chit Min Thu was killed in Yangon.
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People lay flowers and light candles beside bloodied pavement where protester Chit Min Thu was killed in Yangon.
Military trucks are seen near a burning barricade in Yangon that was erected by protesters and then set on fire by soldiers on March 10.
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Military trucks are seen near a burning barricade in Yangon that was erected by protesters and then set on fire by soldiers on March 10.
A protester holds a homemade shield during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on March 9.
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A protester holds a homemade shield during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on March 9.
A protester discharges a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas that was fired by police in Yangon on March 8.
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AP Photo
A protester discharges a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas that was fired by police in Yangon on March 8.
Protesters string up longyi, traditional clothing worn in Myanmar, during a demonstration in Yangon on March 7.
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Protesters string up longyi, traditional clothing worn in Myanmar, during a demonstration in Yangon on March 7.
The wife of Phoe Chit, a protester who died during a demonstration, cries over her husband's coffin during his funeral in Yangon on March 5.
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The wife of Phoe Chit, a protester who died during a demonstration, cries over her husband's coffin during his funeral in Yangon on March 5.
Protesters step on portraits of Myanmar's armed forces chief, Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, during a demonstration in Yangon on March 5.
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Protesters step on portraits of Myanmar's armed forces chief, Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, during a demonstration in Yangon on March 5.
People cry in Yangon on March 4, near a spot where a family member was killed while protesting.
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People cry in Yangon on March 4, near a spot where a family member was killed while protesting.
Protesters lie on the ground after police opened fire to disperse an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.
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Protesters lie on the ground after police opened fire to disperse an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.
Schoolteachers wear traditional hats while participating in an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.
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Schoolteachers wear traditional hats while participating in an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.
A soldier stands next to a detained man during a demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.
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A soldier stands next to a detained man during a demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.
Anti-coup protesters run in Yangon on March 3. One of them discharged a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas fired by police.
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Associated Press
Anti-coup protesters run in Yangon on March 3. One of them discharged a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas fired by police.
An anti-coup protester writes vital emergency information of another protester on his arm in Yangon.
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Associated Press
An anti-coup protester writes vital emergency information of another protester on his arm in Yangon.
Police run toward protesters to disperse a demonstration in Yangon on March 3.
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Police run toward protesters to disperse a demonstration in Yangon on March 3.
A citizen of Myanmar living in India burns a poster of Myanmar's military chief during a protest in New Delhi on March 3.
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A citizen of Myanmar living in India burns a poster of Myanmar's military chief during a protest in New Delhi on March 3.
Medics help supply oxygen to a protester who was exposed to tear gas in Yangon on March 3.
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Medics help supply oxygen to a protester who was exposed to tear gas in Yangon on March 3.
Protesters flee after tear gas was fired during a demonstration in Yangon on March 1.
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Protesters flee after tear gas was fired during a demonstration in Yangon on March 1.
Protesters smoke behind shields during a demonstration in Yangon on March 1.
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Protesters smoke behind shields during a demonstration in Yangon on March 1.
Protesters in Yangon run away from tear gas on March 1.
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Protesters in Yangon run away from tear gas on March 1.
People in Yangon take part in a ceremony on February 28 to remember those who have been killed during demonstrations.
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People in Yangon take part in a ceremony on February 28 to remember those who have been killed during demonstrations.
Soldiers patrol during a protest in Yangon on February 28.
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Soldiers patrol during a protest in Yangon on February 28.
Protesters take cover as they clash with police in Yangon on February 28.
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Protesters take cover as they clash with police in Yangon on February 28.
Protesters erect barricades during a demonstration in Yangon on February 28.
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Protesters erect barricades during a demonstration in Yangon on February 28.
Police charge at anti-coup protesters in Yangon on February 27.
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Police charge at anti-coup protesters in Yangon on February 27.
An injured protester receives medical attention in Mandalay after police and military forces cracked down on protests on February 26.
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An injured protester receives medical attention in Mandalay after police and military forces cracked down on protests on February 26.
Factory workers hold placards and shout slogans as they hold an anti-coup protest in Yangon on February 25.
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Factory workers hold placards and shout slogans as they hold an anti-coup protest in Yangon on February 25.
Anti-coup protesters shout slogans in Yangon on February 25.
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Anti-coup protesters shout slogans in Yangon on February 25.
A police officer films protesters near the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon on February 24.
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A police officer films protesters near the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon on February 24.
Thida Hnin cries during the funeral of her husband, Thet Naing Win, in Mandalay on February 23. He and another protester <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/20/asia/myanmar-police-protestors-reports-shooting-intl/index.html" target="_blank">were fatally shot by security forces</a> during an anti-coup protest.
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Thida Hnin cries during the funeral of her husband, Thet Naing Win, in Mandalay on February 23. He and another protester were fatally shot by security forces during an anti-coup protest.
Police stand guard near the US Embassy in Yangon as protesters take part in an anti-coup demonstration on February 22.
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Police stand guard near the US Embassy in Yangon as protesters take part in an anti-coup demonstration on February 22.
Protesters hold signs featuring civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration in Yangon on February 22.
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Protesters hold signs featuring civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration in Yangon on February 22.
Protesters gather for a demonstration on February 22.
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Protesters gather for a demonstration on February 22.
A man is carried after police dispersed protesters in Mandalay on February 20.
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A man is carried after police dispersed protesters in Mandalay on February 20.
A police truck uses a water cannon to disperse protesters in Mandalay on February 20.
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A police truck uses a water cannon to disperse protesters in Mandalay on February 20.
A police officer aims a gun toward protesters during a demonstration in Mandalay on February 20.
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A police officer aims a gun toward protesters during a demonstration in Mandalay on February 20.
A protester holds a Suu Kyi poster as he sits in front of police in Yangon on February 19.
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A protester holds a Suu Kyi poster as he sits in front of police in Yangon on February 19.
Protesters flash the three-fingered salute during a rally in downtown Yangon on February 19.
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Protesters flash the three-fingered salute during a rally in downtown Yangon on February 19.
Flower tributes and sympathy messages are left in Yangon for <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/19/asia/myanmar-protester-shot-dies-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">Mya Thweh Thweh Khine.</a> The 20-year-old was shot in the head at a protest in Naypyidaw, and she died on February 19.
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Flower tributes and sympathy messages are left in Yangon for Mya Thweh Thweh Khine. The 20-year-old was shot in the head at a protest in Naypyidaw, and she died on February 19.
Protesters block a major road during a demonstration in Yangon on February 17.
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Protesters block a major road during a demonstration in Yangon on February 17.
Demonstrators block a Yangon bridge with their cars on February 17.
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Demonstrators block a Yangon bridge with their cars on February 17.
Buddhist monks march during an anti-coup protest in Yangon on February 16.
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Buddhist monks march during an anti-coup protest in Yangon on February 16.
A Suu Kyi banner is displayed during demonstrations in Yangon on February 15.
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Aung Kyaw Htet/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
A Suu Kyi banner is displayed during demonstrations in Yangon on February 15.
Soldiers carry barricades in Yangon on February 15.
Photos: Unrest in Myanmar
Aung Kyaw Htet/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
Soldiers carry barricades in Yangon on February 15.
Elected members of Parliament wave to protesters in Yangon as police surround the headquarters of Suu Kyi's political party, the National League for Democracy, on February 15.
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Elected members of Parliament wave to protesters in Yangon as police surround the headquarters of Suu Kyi's political party, the National League for Democracy, on February 15.
Medics clear the way as an injured protester is carried away for treatment in Mandalay, Myanmar, on February 15.
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Medics clear the way as an injured protester is carried away for treatment in Mandalay, Myanmar, on February 15.
People gather around an armored vehicle in Yangon on February 14.
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People gather around an armored vehicle in Yangon on February 14.
Young people in Yangon take part in an anti-coup hip-hop performance on February 14.
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Young people in Yangon take part in an anti-coup hip-hop performance on February 14.
Protesters demonstrate in Yangon on February 14.
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Protesters demonstrate in Yangon on February 14.
A child runs alongside an armored vehicle in Yangon on February 14.
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A child runs alongside an armored vehicle in Yangon on February 14.
Protesters march through the city of Shwebo on February 13.
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Protesters march through the city of Shwebo on February 13.
Members of the Myanmar Photographers Association hold up their cameras as they call for Suu Kyi's release on February 13.
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Nyein Chan Naing/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Members of the Myanmar Photographers Association hold up their cameras as they call for Suu Kyi's release on February 13.
Police detain a protester during a demonstration in Mawlamyine on February 12.
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Police detain a protester during a demonstration in Mawlamyine on February 12.
Farmers ride a tractor with a Suu Kyi poster during a demonstration in Thongwa on February 12.
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Farmers ride a tractor with a Suu Kyi poster during a demonstration in Thongwa on February 12.
A protester dressed as Lady Justice makes a three-finger salute as she takes part in a demonstration in Yangon on February 11.
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A protester dressed as Lady Justice makes a three-finger salute as she takes part in a demonstration in Yangon on February 11.
Protesters demonstrate in Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on February 11.
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Protesters demonstrate in Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on February 11.
Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the country's military leader, makes a televised statement on February 11. He announced that<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/12/asia/myanmar-prisoner-release-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank"> more than 23,000 prisoners were set to be granted amnesty and released that day.</a> It was unclear what offenses the prisoners were convicted of.
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Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the country's military leader, makes a televised statement on February 11. He announced that more than 23,000 prisoners were set to be granted amnesty and released that day. It was unclear what offenses the prisoners were convicted of.
Bodybuilders take part in a protest in Yangon on February 11.
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Bodybuilders take part in a protest in Yangon on February 11.
People hold up letters that spell "get out dictators" during a demonstration at Inle Lake on February 11.
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People hold up letters that spell "get out dictators" during a demonstration at Inle Lake on February 11.
A protester carries a child during a march in Yangon on February 10.
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Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images
A protester carries a child during a march in Yangon on February 10.
Women in wedding gowns holds up anti-coup placards in Yangon on February 10.
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Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images
Women in wedding gowns holds up anti-coup placards in Yangon on February 10.
A police officer aims a gun during clashes with protesters in the capital of Naypyidaw on February 9.
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A police officer aims a gun during clashes with protesters in the capital of Naypyidaw on February 9.
A protester pleads for police to refrain from using tear gas against demonstrators in Yangon on February 9.
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A protester pleads for police to refrain from using tear gas against demonstrators in Yangon on February 9.
Police fire water cannons at protesters in Naypyidaw on February 9.
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Police fire water cannons at protesters in Naypyidaw on February 9.
Protesters gather in Yangon on February 8.
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Protesters gather in Yangon on February 8.
Protesters flash three-fingered salutes as they face rows of riot police in Naypyidaw on February 8.
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AP Photo
Protesters flash three-fingered salutes as they face rows of riot police in Naypyidaw on February 8.
Hospital workers show three-finger salutes during a demonstration in Yangon on February 7.
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Hospital workers show three-finger salutes during a demonstration in Yangon on February 7.
A rally takes place in Yangon on February 7.
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Stringer/Reuters
A rally takes place in Yangon on February 7.
Protesters shout slogans in Yangon on February 7.
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Protesters shout slogans in Yangon on February 7.
Protesters give roses to riot police in Yangon on February 6.
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Protesters give roses to riot police in Yangon on February 6.
Yangon residents bang objects to show support for Suu Kyi and her party on February 5.
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Panos Pictures/Redux
Yangon residents bang objects to show support for Suu Kyi and her party on February 5.
Soldiers block a road near Myanmar's Parliament on February 2, a day after the coup.
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Soldiers block a road near Myanmar's Parliament on February 2, a day after the coup.

“The Special Envoy has personally heard from contacts in Myanmar heartbreaking accounts of killings, mistreatment of demonstrators and torture of prisoners over the weekend,” she said.

As of Sunday, 2,156 people had been arrested, charged or sentenced in relation to the military coup, according to AAPP and approximately 100 protesters –including students and young people – were arrested in crackdowns on Sunday.

Why is Myanmar protesting?

Protests have been ongoing for more than a month across Myanmar after the military seized power in a coup on February 1, detaining democratically elected leaders, ousting the ruling government, and establishing a junta called the State Administration Council.

The military, headed by coup-leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, justified its takeover by alleging widespread voter fraud during the November 2020 general election, which gave Suu Kyi’s party another overwhelming victory and dashed hopes for some military figures that an opposition party they had backed might take power democratically.

The now-reformed election commission denied there was any evidence mass voter fraud.

It was only the second democratic vote since the previous military junta began a series of reforms in 2011, following half a century of brutal military rule that plunged Myanmar, then known as Burma, into poverty and isolationism.

Relatives and friends react during the funeral procession of Ko Saw Pyae Naing, 21, who died in the anti-coup protests, in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 14.
Relatives and friends react during the funeral procession of Ko Saw Pyae Naing, 21, who died in the anti-coup protests, in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 14.
Stringer/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Protesters are demanding the military hand back power to civilian control and are calling for the release of Suu Kyi and other government figures. Myanmar’s many ethnic groups, which have long fought for greater autonomy for their lands, are also demanding the military-written 2008 constitution be abolished and a federal democracy be established.

YANGON, MYANMAR - MARCH 11: People pay tribute by laying flowers and lighting candles next to dried blood at the spot where Chit Min Thu, 25, was killed in clashes on March 11, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar's military Junta charged deposed de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi with accepting bribes and taking illegal payments in gold, as it also continued a brutal crackdown on a nationwide civil disobedience movement in which thousands of people have turned out in continued defiance of tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition. (Photo by Stringer/Getty Images)
YANGON, MYANMAR - MARCH 11: People pay tribute by laying flowers and lighting candles next to dried blood at the spot where Chit Min Thu, 25, was killed in clashes on March 11, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar's military Junta charged deposed de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi with accepting bribes and taking illegal payments in gold, as it also continued a brutal crackdown on a nationwide civil disobedience movement in which thousands of people have turned out in continued defiance of tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition. (Photo by Stringer/Getty Images)
Stringer/Getty Images

Streets of blood in Myanmar town as UN fears 'crimes against humanity'

As well as protests, a civil disobedience movement has seen thousands of white- and blue-collar workers, from medics, bankers and lawyers to teachers, engineers and factory workers, leave their jobs as a form of resistance against the coup.

In recent weeks, the military has stepped up its response to the protests, launching a country-wide systematic crackdown in which security forces have opened fire on protesters. Amnesty International said the military was using increasingly lethal tactics and weapons normally seen on the battlefield against peaceful protesters and bystanders, and that troops – documented to have committed human rights abuses in conflict areas – have been deployed to the streets. The UN special rapporteur for human rights in Myanmar, said the military’s “brutal response” to peaceful protests is “likely meeting the legal threshold for crimes against humanity.”

Despite the danger, thousands of young protesters have continued to defy the military. The demonstrations are dominated by young people who have grown up with a level of democracy and political and economic freedoms their parents or grandparents didn’t have, and say they are fighting for their future.

CNN’s Hira Humayun and Richard Roth contributed reporting.