Over 50 Protesters Have Been Killed During Anti-Coup Protests In Myanmar

Security forces fatally shot two people in the head Monday in Myanmar as anti-coup demonstrations continue, the Associated Press reported.

Protesters threw rocks at security forces after they deployed tear gas and fired live munitions into the crowd, the AP reported. Protesters quickly transported the injured out of the area including one person who sustained a severe head injury and another whose head was covered with a cloth.

Over 50 people have died during anti-coup demonstrations, according to the AP. Security forces fatally shot at least 18 people on Feb. 28 and 38 Wednesday, according to the U.N. Human Rights Office.

“It is utterly abhorrent that security forces are firing live ammunition against peaceful protesters across the country,” U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said. “I am also appalled at the documented attacks against emergency medical staff and ambulances attempting to provide care to those who have been injured.”

Security forces fired tear gas at a crowd of at least 1,000 people in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, according to the AP. Protesters reportedly created a smokescreen by using fire extinguishers to avoid law enforcement as they ran away.

Meanwhile, the Karen National Police Force (KNPF), a local ethnic group, provided armed security for around 2,000 protesters in southeast Myanmar on Monday, the AP reported.

The KNPF are controlled by the Karen National Union, a group fighting for greater autonomy from the central government, the AP reported. 

Security forces have increasingly used deadly force against protestors since the Feb. 1 coup, the AP reported.