The Bloodiest Day of Protests in Myanmar: 18 Killed

According to BBC.com, on Sunday the police in Myanmar began firing live ammunition at protesters opposing the military junta that seized power in the country. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the military to immediately cease the violence.

During the weekend, protests have been taking place in various cities across Myanmar. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has confirmed that at least 18 participants in the protests have been killed, with more than 30 injured.

Protests are ongoing in Yangon, Taunggyi, and Mandalay among other cities. As a result, Sunday has become the bloodiest day in Myanmar since the uprising began on February 1.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sharply condemned the actions of the military and called on the international community to apply pressure on the generals. “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the brutal crackdown in Myanmar. The use of lethal weapons against peaceful protesters and arbitrary arrests is unacceptable,” reads the UN statement.