Ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi faced court on Monday via video link and slapped with two new charges, after the deadliest weekend of protests that claimed 18 lives.

The protests continued on Monday across the country during Suu Kyi’s court proceedings. Her lawyer saw her for the first time since a Feb 1 military coup.

Suu Kyi, 75, appeared healthy, lawyer Khin Maung Zaw said. She had not been seen since February 1 when she was put under house arrest by the military.

She was already facing criminal charges for possessing unlicensed walkie-talkies and violating coronavirus restrictions by staging a campaign during last year’s election.

She is now accused of violation of communications laws as well as intent to incite public unrest, her lawyer said.

The United Nations said quoting its sources that troops and police fired live bullets at demonstrators on Sunday in cities across Myanmar.

According to media reports, one person was shot while hiding behind rubbish bins and other makeshift shields, and had to be dragged away by others.

There are confirmed 10 deaths in Sunday’s violence, although there are fears the toll could be much higher.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a reliable monitoring group, estimated that about 30 people had been killed by the forces since the coup on February 1.

On Monday, protests erupted again across the country, with demonstrators in Yangon using bamboo and other material to erect barricades to protect themselves.

Hundreds of people were also arrested with many in Yangon taken to Insein Prison, where Myanmar’s leading democracy campaigners have served long jail terms under previous dictatorships.

More than 1,100 people have been arrested, charged, or sentenced since the coup, according to The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

A reporter was also shot with rubber bullets while covering protest in the city of Pyay.

Several journalists were arrested while filming forces firing bullets, including an Associated Press photographer in Yangon.

The story was filed by the News Desk. The Desk can be reached at info@thecorrespondent.com.pk.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here