UN says at least 18 killed as troops fire on protesters

AT LEAST 18 people have been killed at anti-coup protests in Myanmar, reports suggest, with dozens more injured as violence broke out.

The UN Human Rights Office said it has received “credible information” that live ammunition was fired into crowds, while tear gas and stun grenades were also used.

Yesterday’s violence signals the highest death toll in a single day as protesters call for the elected government to be restored to power after a coup on February 1.

“We strongly condemn the escalating violence against protests in Myanmar and call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protesters,” said spokesman for the UN, Ravina Shamdasani.

There are few media reports from within Myanmar, with one journalist from the Associated Press arrested on Saturday as he reported on the protests.

Another independent media company, the Democratic Voice of Burma, claimed there had been 19 confirmed deaths in nine cities, and another 10 suspected deaths.

There were reports of gunfire as police in Yangon, the country’s biggest city, fired tear gas and water cannons while trying to clear the streets of demonstrators.

The coup has reversed years of slow progress toward democracy in Myanmar after five decades of military rule.

The government of Aung San Suu Kyi and president Win Myint have been detained by the army, after it blocked parliament from convening for a second term.

Yesterday’s violence erupted in the early morning when medical students were marching in Yangon’s streets.

Videos and photos showed protesters running away as police charged at them, and residents setting up makeshift roadblocks to slow their advance.

Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director for New Yorkbased Human Rights Watch, said a “clear escalation” in the use of lethal force from Myanmar security forces is “outrageous and unacceptable”.

“Live ammunition should not be used to control or disperse protests and lethal force can only be used to protect life or prevent serious injury,” he said, calling for an immediate halt to escalating violence.

“The world is watching the actions of the Myanmar military junta, and will hold them accountable.”