
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Monday 22nd February, spoke out against the “brutal force” used by those behind Myanmar’s coup and urged the military to instantly stop the repression and release prisoners.
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United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Monday 22nd February, spoke out against the “brutal force” used by those behind Myanmar’s coup and urged the military to instantly stop the repression and release prisoners.
“Today, I call on the Myanmar military to stop the repression immediately. Release the prisoners. End the violence. Respect human rights and the will of the people expressed in recent elections,” Guterres said to the UN Human Rights Council in a pre-recorded video.
“Respect human rights, and the will of the people expressed in recent elections,” the UN chief said.
What has happened in Myanmar?
The military is currently back in charge after taking control on 1st February 2021 post a general election in which Ms Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party emerged victorious by the majority. The military has declared a year-long state of emergency.
The armed forces had supported the opposition, who were demanding a rerun of the vote, claiming widespread fraud. The election commission stated there was no evidence to support these claims.
Ms Suu Kyi is under house arrest along with many other NLD officials who have also been detained.
Commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing has been granted power.
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