In 2022, 165 children died at the hands of Myanmar's military Junta. As per data shared by the nation's exiled opposition National Unity Government (NUG), this year saw a 78 per cent uptick in the number of deaths of children from 2021.&nbsp;Myanmar's local media has chalked this number to artillery attacks targeting forces resistant to the Junta.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;UN demands end to Myanmar violence; Suu Kyi set to appear for final arguments in Junta court

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A spokesperson for NUG's Ministry of Women, Youths and Children Affairs has alleged that the Junta is intensifying its bombing and airstrikes and that frequently these target schools operating in areas controlled by the NUG.

Talking to Guardian Thomas Kean, a &nbsp;senior consultant on Myanmar for the International Crisis Group said that the "NUG figures appear credible" adding that artillery and air power are indiscriminate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-aung-san-suu-kyi-to-get-final-verdicts-in-junta-trial-on-friday-546705">Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi to get final verdicts in junta trial on Friday</a>

Recent months have seen dozens of children dying in the bloody massacre that started with the ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government in February 2021. Thousands of people have lost their lives since the coup.

In September, over a dozen children reportedly died in an airstrike on a school in the Sagaing region, and in November a shelling in the Rakhine state killed 10,&nbsp;including children. The 2021 Christmas massacre in Kayah state also had children among those dead.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-uses-death-penalties-to-crush-opposition-holds-proceedings-in-secretive-courts-un-539716">Myanmar uses death penalties to ‘crush opposition’, holds proceedings in ‘secretive courts’: UN</a>

Reports indicate that the children of Myanmar are also suffering physical torture. In June, the UN Special Rapporteur while speaking on the situation of human rights in the nation said that there are reports of children being beaten, cut, stabbed, and burned with cigarettes&nbsp;and having their fingernails pulled out.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In 2022, 165 children died at the hands of Myanmar's military Junta. As per data shared by the nation's exiled opposition National Unity Government (NUG), this year saw a 78 per cent uptick in the number of deaths of children from 2021.

In 2022, 165 children died at the hands of Myanmar's military Junta. As per data shared by the nation's exiled opposition National Unity Government (NUG), this year saw a 78 per cent uptick in the number of deaths of children from 2021. Myanmar's local media has chalked this number to artillery attacks targeting forces resistant to the Junta. Watch | UN demands end to Myanmar violence; Suu Kyi set to appear for final arguments in Junta court A spokesperson for NUG's Ministry of Women, Youths and Children Affairs has alleged that the Junta is intensifying its bombing and airstrikes and that frequently these target schools operating in areas controlled by the NUG. Talking to Guardian Thomas Kean, a senior consultant on Myanmar for the International Crisis Group said that the "NUG figures appear credible" adding that artillery and air power are indiscriminate. Also read | Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi to get final verdicts in junta trial on Friday Recent months have seen dozens of children dying in the bloody massacre that started with the ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government in February 2021. Thousands of people have lost their lives since the coup. In September, over a dozen children reportedly died in an airstrike on a school in the Sagaing region, and in November a shelling in the Rakhine state killed 10, including children. The 2021 Christmas massacre in Kayah state also had children among those dead. Also read | Myanmar uses death penalties to ‘crush opposition’, holds proceedings in ‘secretive courts’: UN Reports indicate that the children of Myanmar are also suffering physical torture. In June, the UN Special Rapporteur while speaking on the situation of human rights in the nation said that there are reports of children being beaten, cut, stabbed, and burned with cigarettes and having their fingernails pulled out. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar Junta killed 165 children in 2022, claims exiled opposition

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi will receive the final verdicts on five remaining charges in the 18-month trial on Friday, the news agency AFP reported quoting a legal source said, adding that Suu Kyi appeared in good health.&nbsp;

The source close to the matter said on Monday, "Both sides gave final arguments today at court. There will be a verdict on coming Friday (30th) December." As per the news agency, the source requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media.&nbsp;

The last five corruption charges that Suu Kyi faces relate to the rental of a helicopter for a government minister, a case in which she had allegedly not followed regulations and caused "a loss to the state". Reports have mentioned that each carries a maximum jail term of 15 years.&nbsp;

Recently, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) urged the military junta to release Suu Kyi. The UN body called for the "immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners," including Suu Kyi and ex-president Win Myint.&nbsp;

It was the UN's first-ever resolution on the ongoing turmoil in the Southeast Asian nation. But in the resolution, permanent members and close junta allies China and Russia abstained.&nbsp;

The Nobel laureate has been in prison for almost two years. On February 1, 2021, Myanmar's military began a coup d'état and detained democratically elected members of the country's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD).&nbsp;

The 77-year-old was found guilty on 14 charges ranging from corruption to illegally importing walkie-talkies and breaching the official secrets act. She has been jailed for 26 years.&nbsp;

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Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi will receive the final verdicts on five remaining charges in the 18-month trial on Friday, the news agency AFP reported quoting a legal source said, adding that Suu Kyi appeared in good health.

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi will receive the final verdicts on five remaining charges in the 18-month trial on Friday, the news agency AFP reported quoting a legal source said, adding that Suu Kyi appeared in good health. The source close to the matter said on Monday, "Both sides gave final arguments today at court. There will be a verdict on coming Friday (30th) December." As per the news agency, the source requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media. The last five corruption charges that Suu Kyi faces relate to the rental of a helicopter for a government minister, a case in which she had allegedly not followed regulations and caused "a loss to the state". Reports have mentioned that each carries a maximum jail term of 15 years. Recently, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) urged the military junta to release Suu Kyi. The UN body called for the "immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners," including Suu Kyi and ex-president Win Myint. It was the UN's first-ever resolution on the ongoing turmoil in the Southeast Asian nation. But in the resolution, permanent members and close junta allies China and Russia abstained. The Nobel laureate has been in prison for almost two years. On February 1, 2021, Myanmar's military began a coup d'état and detained democratically elected members of the country's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). The 77-year-old was found guilty on 14 charges ranging from corruption to illegally importing walkie-talkies and breaching the official secrets act. She has been jailed for 26 years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi to get final verdicts in junta trial on Friday

More than 130 people have been sentenced to death since the Myanmar junta took over last year, said a United Nations official, on Friday, accusing them of using capital punishment to crush the opposition. According to the UN, the junta have sentenced at least seven university students to death taking the total number of people on death row to 139.&nbsp;

“The military continues to hold proceedings in secretive courts in violation of basic principles of fair trial and contrary to core judicial guarantees of independence and impartiality,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. He also said that on Wednesday, a military court sentenced at least seven male students and reportedly at least four more additional death sentences were issued against youth activists in Myanmar.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-spokesperson-says-executed-inmates-deserved-many-death-sentences-500788">Myanmar: Junta spokesperson says executed inmates deserved 'many death sentences'</a>

Furthermore, Myanmar’s military-installed government courts have consistently failed to uphold any degree of transparency contrary to the most basic due process that fair trial guarantees, said Turk. The junta had taken over the country in 2021 after a military coup and ouster of the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. This move was met with resistance and widespread protests which were quashed after the alleged lethal force used by the country’s military.&nbsp;

According to the UN, nearly 1,700 detainees out of the 16,500 have been arrested, tried and convicted in this secret by ad hoc tribunals which sometimes lasted just a couple of minutes. Additionally, during this time, the detainees often did not have access to a lawyer or family members.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asean-summit-2022-myanmar-tops-agenda-nations-say-stop-military-abuses-533458">ASEAN Summit 2022: Myanmar tops agenda; nations say 'Stop military abuses'</a>

On the other hand, the Students’ Union of Dagon University in Yangon, in a statement, confirmed that at least seven students aged between 18 and 24 were arrested, earlier this year, and were sentenced to death on Wednesday. They also said that the sentence took place by a military court in Yangon’s Insein prison. “Imposing the death penalty on students is an act of vengeance by the military,” said the students’ union in a statement.

“By resorting to use death sentences as a political tool to crush opposition, the military confirms its disdain for the efforts by ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the international community at large to end violence and create the conditions for a political dialogue to lead Myanmar out of a human rights crisis created by the military,” said Turk. Referring to the five-point consensus the South-East Asia countries had re-committed to uphold during the ASEAN summit, earlier this month, he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-filmmaker-describes-myanmar-detention-as-hell-asks-tokyo-for-stronger-stance-toward-junta-538301">Japanese filmmaker describes Myanmar detention as ‘hell’; asks Tokyo for ‘stronger stance’ toward junta</a>

Over 11,000 have been detained by the military in a bid to quash dissent in the country, according to a local monitoring group. A member of the union also told the Associated Press, that the seven accused were linked to an urban armed movement who were opposed to the junta rule and were convicted for allegedly shooting a bank manager in April.&nbsp; 
 
So far, over 2,200 civilians have been killed since the military took over, said Duwa Lashi La, the acting president of the National Unity Government (NUG), a civilian government created in opposition to the junta-led rule, told Reuters. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
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More than 130 people have been sentenced to death since the Myanmar junta took over last year, said a United Nations official, on Friday, accusing them of using capital punishment to crush the opposition.

More than 130 people have been sentenced to death since the Myanmar junta took over last year, said a United Nations official, on Friday, accusing them of using capital punishment to crush the opposition. According to the UN, the junta have sentenced at least seven university students to death taking the total number of people on death row to 139. “The military continues to hold proceedings in secretive courts in violation of basic principles of fair trial and contrary to core judicial guarantees of independence and impartiality,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. He also said that on Wednesday, a military court sentenced at least seven male students and reportedly at least four more additional death sentences were issued against youth activists in Myanmar. ALSO READ | Myanmar: Junta spokesperson says executed inmates deserved 'many death sentences' Furthermore, Myanmar’s military-installed government courts have consistently failed to uphold any degree of transparency contrary to the most basic due process that fair trial guarantees, said Turk. The junta had taken over the country in 2021 after a military coup and ouster of the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. This move was met with resistance and widespread protests which were quashed after the alleged lethal force used by the country’s military. According to the UN, nearly 1,700 detainees out of the 16,500 have been arrested, tried and convicted in this secret by ad hoc tribunals which sometimes lasted just a couple of minutes. Additionally, during this time, the detainees often did not have access to a lawyer or family members. ALSO WATCH | ASEAN Summit 2022: Myanmar tops agenda; nations say 'Stop military abuses' On the other hand, the Students’ Union of Dagon University in Yangon, in a statement, confirmed that at least seven students aged between 18 and 24 were arrested, earlier this year, and were sentenced to death on Wednesday. They also said that the sentence took place by a military court in Yangon’s Insein prison. “Imposing the death penalty on students is an act of vengeance by the military,” said the students’ union in a statement. “By resorting to use death sentences as a political tool to crush opposition, the military confirms its disdain for the efforts by ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the international community at large to end violence and create the conditions for a political dialogue to lead Myanmar out of a human rights crisis created by the military,” said Turk. Referring to the five-point consensus the South-East Asia countries had re-committed to uphold during the ASEAN summit, earlier this month, he added. ALSO READ | Japanese filmmaker describes Myanmar detention as ‘hell’; asks Tokyo for ‘stronger stance’ toward junta Over 11,000 have been detained by the military in a bid to quash dissent in the country, according to a local monitoring group. A member of the union also told the Associated Press, that the seven accused were linked to an urban armed movement who were opposed to the junta rule and were convicted for allegedly shooting a bank manager in April. So far, over 2,200 civilians have been killed since the military took over, said Duwa Lashi La, the acting president of the National Unity Government (NUG), a civilian government created in opposition to the junta-led rule, told Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar uses death penalties to ‘crush opposition’, holds proceedings in ‘secretive courts’: UN

Myanmar's military said Thursday it will release almost 6,000 prisoners, including a former British ambassador, a Japanese journalist and an Australian economics adviser, in a rare olive branch from the isolated junta.&nbsp;The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military's coup last year and a bloody crackdown on dissent during which thousands have been jailed.

Former British envoy Vicky Bowman, Australian economics adviser Sean Turnell and Japanese journalist Toru Kubota "will be released to mark National Day", a senior officer told AFP.

All three would be deported, the junta said without specifying a date.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asean-still-struggling-to-find-solution-for-myanmar-crisis-533155">Also read |&nbsp;ASEAN still struggling to find solution for Myanmar crisis</a>

Around 200 people had gathered outside the Insein prison in Yangon in the hope that their loved ones would be among those released, said AFP reporters who also saw several yellow buses enter the sprawling compound.

Altogether, 5,774 prisoners will be released, "including some 600 women", the junta official said, revising an earlier figure of about 700 women.&nbsp;

The junta did not say in its statement announcing the amnesty how many of those pardoned had been arrested during the military's crackdown on dissent.

Bowman, who served as ambassador from 2002 to 2006, was detained with her husband in August for failing to declare she was living at an address different from the one listed on her foreigner's registration certificate.

They were later jailed for a year. Her husband, prominent&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;artist Htein Lin, will also be released, the military official said.

A British diplomatic source said Bowman had not yet been released but they expected her to be freed. The junta statement did not list her husband among those due to be deported.

Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar military to free 6,000 prisoners including 600 women

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Ties between&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and its former colonial ruler Britain have soured since the military's takeover, with the junta this year criticising the UK's recent downgrading of its mission there as "unacceptable".

Turnell was working as an adviser to&nbsp;Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi when he was detained shortly after the coup in February 2021.

He and Suu Kyi were convicted in September by a closed junta court of breaching the Official Secrets Act and jailed for three years each.

"We welcome reports in relation to Professor Sean Turnell," Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Twitter.

"Professor Turnell continues to be our first priority. As such, we will not be commenting further at this stage."

Japanese journalist Kubota, 26, was detained in July near an anti-government rally in Yangon along with two&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;citizens and jailed for 10 years.

A source at Japan's embassy in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;told AFP they had "been informed that Mr. Kubota will be released today" by junta authorities.

Kubota would leave for Japan "today", they said.&nbsp;Kubota is the fifth foreign journalist to be detained in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;since the coup, after US citizens Nathan Maung and Danny Fenster, Robert Bociaga of Poland and Yuki Kitazumi of Japan -- all of whom were later freed and deported.

At least 170 journalists have been arrested since the coup according to UNESCO, with nearly 70 still in detention.

Very proud of him 
 
One woman, who did not want to give her name for fear of reprisals, said she was waiting for her husband, who was halfway through a three-year sentence for encouraging dissent against the military. &nbsp;

"Earlier, he was a USDP (military-backed political party) supporter. After the coup, he joined the protests. I'm very proud of him," she said.&nbsp;

San San Aye said she was waiting for her brothers and sisters to be released.

"Three of them were sentenced to three years each,&nbsp;eight months ago," she told AFP.&nbsp;

"Their children are waiting at home. We will be more than happy if they are released."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-junta-regime-diverting-civilian-jet-fuel-to-military-confirms-amnesty-international-530800">Also read |&nbsp;Myanmar's Junta regime diverting civilian jet fuel to military, claims Amnesty International</a>

Independent analyst David Mathieson told AFP: "Professor Turnell's release is remarkable news after being held hostage by the regime, and his family and friends will be delighted."

However, he said the junta "shows no sign of reform and a mass amnesty doesn't absolve them of atrocities committed since the coup".

Amnesty's regional office spokesperson said: "Thousands of people jailed since the coup in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;have done nothing wrong and should never have been imprisoned in the first place."

Three former ministers from Suu Kyi's ousted government and detained US-Myanmar&nbsp;citizen Kyaw Htay Oo would also be released, the junta official said.

More than 2,300 civilians have been killed since the military's crackdown on dissent after it ousted Suu Kyi's government, according to a&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;monitoring group.&nbsp;

The junta blames anti-coup fighters for the death&nbsp;of almost 3,900 civilians. 
 
&nbsp;

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Myanmar's military said Thursday it will release almost 6,000 prisoners, including a former British ambassador, a Japanese journalist and an Australian economics adviser, in a rare olive branch from the isolated junta.

Myanmar's military said Thursday it will release almost 6,000 prisoners, including a former British ambassador, a Japanese journalist and an Australian economics adviser, in a rare olive branch from the isolated junta. The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military's coup last year and a bloody crackdown on dissent during which thousands have been jailed. Former British envoy Vicky Bowman, Australian economics adviser Sean Turnell and Japanese journalist Toru Kubota "will be released to mark National Day", a senior officer told AFP. All three would be deported, the junta said without specifying a date. Also read | ASEAN still struggling to find solution for Myanmar crisis Around 200 people had gathered outside the Insein prison in Yangon in the hope that their loved ones would be among those released, said AFP reporters who also saw several yellow buses enter the sprawling compound. Altogether, 5,774 prisoners will be released, "including some 600 women", the junta official said, revising an earlier figure of about 700 women. The junta did not say in its statement announcing the amnesty how many of those pardoned had been arrested during the military's crackdown on dissent. Bowman, who served as ambassador from 2002 to 2006, was detained with her husband in August for failing to declare she was living at an address different from the one listed on her foreigner's registration certificate. They were later jailed for a year. Her husband, prominent Myanmar artist Htein Lin, will also be released, the military official said. A British diplomatic source said Bowman had not yet been released but they expected her to be freed. The junta statement did not list her husband among those due to be deported. Watch | Myanmar military to free 6,000 prisoners including 600 women Ties between Myanmar and its former colonial ruler Britain have soured since the military's takeover, with the junta this year criticising the UK's recent downgrading of its mission there as "unacceptable". Turnell was working as an adviser to Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi when he was detained shortly after the coup in February 2021. He and Suu Kyi were convicted in September by a closed junta court of breaching the Official Secrets Act and jailed for three years each. "We welcome reports in relation to Professor Sean Turnell," Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Twitter. "Professor Turnell continues to be our first priority. As such, we will not be commenting further at this stage." Japanese journalist Kubota, 26, was detained in July near an anti-government rally in Yangon along with two Myanmar citizens and jailed for 10 years. A source at Japan's embassy in Myanmar told AFP they had "been informed that Mr. Kubota will be released today" by junta authorities. Kubota would leave for Japan "today", they said. Kubota is the fifth foreign journalist to be detained in Myanmar since the coup, after US citizens Nathan Maung and Danny Fenster, Robert Bociaga of Poland and Yuki Kitazumi of Japan -- all of whom were later freed and deported. At least 170 journalists have been arrested since the coup according to UNESCO, with nearly 70 still in detention. Very proud of him One woman, who did not want to give her name for fear of reprisals, said she was waiting for her husband, who was halfway through a three-year sentence for encouraging dissent against the military. "Earlier, he was a USDP (military-backed political party) supporter. After the coup, he joined the protests. I'm very proud of him," she said. San San Aye said she was waiting for her brothers and sisters to be released. "Three of them were sentenced to three years each, eight months ago," she told AFP. "Their children are waiting at home. We will be more than happy if they are released." Also read | Myanmar's Junta regime diverting civilian jet fuel to military, claims Amnesty International Independent analyst David Mathieson told AFP: "Professor Turnell's release is remarkable news after being held hostage by the regime, and his family and friends will be delighted." However, he said the junta "shows no sign of reform and a mass amnesty doesn't absolve them of atrocities committed since the coup". Amnesty's regional office spokesperson said: "Thousands of people jailed since the coup in Myanmar have done nothing wrong and should never have been imprisoned in the first place." Three former ministers from Suu Kyi's ousted government and detained US-Myanmar citizen Kyaw Htay Oo would also be released, the junta official said. More than 2,300 civilians have been killed since the military's crackdown on dissent after it ousted Suu Kyi's government, according to a Myanmar monitoring group. The junta blames anti-coup fighters for the death of almost 3,900 civilians. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Buses carrying former UK ambassador, Japanese journalist leave Yangon prison 

Myanmar's Junta has announced that it will release almost 6,000 prisoners, these include a former British Ambassador and a Japanese journalist also an Economic Advisor who worked with Aung San Suu Kyi, according to officials. To mark Myanmar's National Day, around 600 women prisoners will also be released.

Myanmar military to free 6,000 prisoners including 600 women

Myanmar warns of 'negative implications' after Junta was not represented in ASEAN meeting. On the other hand, ASEAN is gravely concerned about escalating violence in Myanmar.

Myanmar warns of 'negative implications' after Junta was not represented in ASEAN meeting

Myanmar's deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been awarded another&nbsp;six-year sentence for accepting bribes, and corruption by one of the nation's military courts, even as media is barred from attending her trials and even her lawyers are banned from speaking to the press.

Suu Kyi has been accused of accepting bribes from Maung Weik, a businessman, reported AFP citing a source, adding that she has been "sentenced to three years imprisonment each for two corruption cases".&nbsp;

The two sentences will reportedly run concurrently, which means that three years will be added to her jail time, bringing the total to 26 years. She also faces charges for at least 18 other offences ranging from graft to election violations, carrying combined maximum terms of nearly 190 years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-juntas-leader-wont-be-allowed-to-attend-upcoming-asean-summit-combodia-522660">Myanmar junta's leader won't be allowed to attend upcoming ASEAN summit: Cambodia</a>

The 77-year-old Nobel laureate, who has been behind bars for more than a year, has denied the accusations, calling it absurd.

"Myanmar's military is heaping trumped-up charge after trumped-up charge on Aung San Suu Kyi as part of a broader campaign to lock up and silence any and all opponents," said an Amnesty International spokesperson on Wednesday. Calling the trial a sham, they added that it cannot be taken seriously.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-court-jails-japanese-filmmaker-for-10-years-over-sedition-charge-522879">Myanmar court jails Japanese filmmaker for 10 years over sedition charge</a>

Media has been barred from attending trials involving the deposed leader and her lawyers have been banned from speaking to the press.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi is currently on trial for five other corruption charges, each carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.&nbsp;

The allegations against Suu Kyi, according to the military's critics, are intended to prevent her from ever entering politics again or attempting to overthrow the military's hold on power after last year's coup, reports Reuters.

On February 1 of last year, a military coup ended her country's brief period of democratic rule. Since then, more than 2,300 people have been killed in the ensuing chaos, and over 15,000 have been put behind bars, reports AFP, quoting a local monitoring group.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Myanmar's deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been awarded another six-year sentence for accepting bribes, and corruption by one of the nation's military courts, even as media is barred from attending her trials and even her lawyers are banned from speaking to the press.

Myanmar's deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been awarded another six-year sentence for accepting bribes, and corruption by one of the nation's military courts, even as media is barred from attending her trials and even her lawyers are banned from speaking to the press. Suu Kyi has been accused of accepting bribes from Maung Weik, a businessman, reported AFP citing a source, adding that she has been "sentenced to three years imprisonment each for two corruption cases". The two sentences will reportedly run concurrently, which means that three years will be added to her jail time, bringing the total to 26 years. She also faces charges for at least 18 other offences ranging from graft to election violations, carrying combined maximum terms of nearly 190 years. Also read | Myanmar junta's leader won't be allowed to attend upcoming ASEAN summit: Cambodia The 77-year-old Nobel laureate, who has been behind bars for more than a year, has denied the accusations, calling it absurd. "Myanmar's military is heaping trumped-up charge after trumped-up charge on Aung San Suu Kyi as part of a broader campaign to lock up and silence any and all opponents," said an Amnesty International spokesperson on Wednesday. Calling the trial a sham, they added that it cannot be taken seriously. Also read | Myanmar court jails Japanese filmmaker for 10 years over sedition charge Media has been barred from attending trials involving the deposed leader and her lawyers have been banned from speaking to the press. Suu Kyi is currently on trial for five other corruption charges, each carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The allegations against Suu Kyi, according to the military's critics, are intended to prevent her from ever entering politics again or attempting to overthrow the military's hold on power after last year's coup, reports Reuters. On February 1 of last year, a military coup ended her country's brief period of democratic rule. Since then, more than 2,300 people have been killed in the ensuing chaos, and over 15,000 have been put behind bars, reports AFP, quoting a local monitoring group. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi held guilty by military court for accepting bribes; terms it absurd

Myanmar's junta leader has not been invited to an ASEAN regional summit happening next month, host nation Cambodia announced on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In what can be seen as a fresh diplomatic snub, the junta has been invited to "nominate a non-political representative for the upcoming ASEAN Summits". This means that junta chief Min Aung Hlaing won't be allowed to attend the summit.

Since the military junta seized power last year, ASEAN has led diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Myanmar. However, as per AFP, there has been little progress on the "five-point consensus" agreed on with the junta.

Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar: Bullet fired from ground pierces through fuselage of an aircraft, one injured

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As a result, the group, its leader and ministers have in the recent past&nbsp;been shut out of meetings of the 10-member regional bloc ASEAN. In February and August, junta's top diplomat was barred from attending the bloc's foreign minister gatherings in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The five-point consensus calls for an immediate end to the violence in Myanmar. It also urges for a dialogue between the military and the anti-coup movement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmars-suu-kyi-and-australian-economist-sentenced-to-three-years-in-jail-520781">Myanmar's Suu Kyi and Australian economist sentenced to three years in jail</a>

ASEAN's latest snub comes as the United States attempts to pressure the junta through United Nations after an air strike in September killed 11 schoolchildren.

Previously, the August meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers had ended with a rare condemnation of the junta's actions. The ministers had remarked that they were "deeply disappointed by the limited progress in and lack of commitment of the Naypyidaw authorities to the timely and complete implementation of the five-point consensus".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Myanmar's junta leader has not been invited to an ASEAN regional summit happening next month, host nation Cambodia announced on Wednesday. In what can be seen as a fresh diplomatic snub, the junta has been invited to "nominate a non-political representative for the upcoming ASEAN Summits".

Myanmar's junta leader has not been invited to an ASEAN regional summit happening next month, host nation Cambodia announced on Wednesday. In what can be seen as a fresh diplomatic snub, the junta has been invited to "nominate a non-political representative for the upcoming ASEAN Summits". This means that junta chief Min Aung Hlaing won't be allowed to attend the summit. Since the military junta seized power last year, ASEAN has led diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Myanmar. However, as per AFP, there has been little progress on the "five-point consensus" agreed on with the junta. Watch | Myanmar: Bullet fired from ground pierces through fuselage of an aircraft, one injured As a result, the group, its leader and ministers have in the recent past been shut out of meetings of the 10-member regional bloc ASEAN. In February and August, junta's top diplomat was barred from attending the bloc's foreign minister gatherings in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The five-point consensus calls for an immediate end to the violence in Myanmar. It also urges for a dialogue between the military and the anti-coup movement. Also read | Myanmar's Suu Kyi and Australian economist sentenced to three years in jail ASEAN's latest snub comes as the United States attempts to pressure the junta through United Nations after an air strike in September killed 11 schoolchildren. Previously, the August meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers had ended with a rare condemnation of the junta's actions. The ministers had remarked that they were "deeply disappointed by the limited progress in and lack of commitment of the Naypyidaw authorities to the timely and complete implementation of the five-point consensus". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar junta's leader won't be allowed to attend upcoming ASEAN summit: Cambodia

As the economic misery in Myanmar continues, more and more commodities are becoming scarce.&nbsp;

Following a military coup last year, the economy of the nation plummeted, and the junta's attempts to grab foreign exchange as well as inconsistent business and import regulations have only made matters worse, reports AFP.

Things have been made&nbsp;worse as a result of the rise in global commodity prices brought on by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leaving many people struggling to make ends meet and turning to subsidies or charity to put food on the table.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-says-military-open-to-negotiations-with-ousted-leader-aung-san-suu-kyi-508438">Myanmar junta says open to negotiations with ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi after her trial</a>

According to the World Bank, approximately 40 per cent of the population was living below the national poverty level in July. Inflation measured by the consumer price index reached 17.3 per cent in March.

Khin Khin Than, a 55-year-old housewife, told AFP that "people can't spend much of their income on food because of higher commodity prices" as she waited in line to fill her plastic bottle with one of the many commodities in short supply: oil while being drenched in the monsoon rain. According to her, the market price for around 1.6 kg of oil has soared from 5,000 kyats to 9,000 kyats ($4.25).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-myanmar-envoy-begins-talks-with-junta-chief-507810">United Nations Myanmar envoy begins talks with junta chief</a>

State media reported last week that the price of a litre of diesel increased by about six US cents overnight, reaching a high of 2,440 kyats ($1.15) per litre.

The price of rice has also skyrocketed due to rising transit costs as well as the military and anti-junta fighters turning large portions of the nation into battlefields.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the economic misery in Myanmar continues, more and more commodities are becoming scarce. Following a military coup last year, the economy of the nation plummeted, and the junta's attempts to grab foreign exchange as well as inconsistent business and import regulations have only made matters worse, reports AFP.

As the economic misery in Myanmar continues, more and more commodities are becoming scarce. Following a military coup last year, the economy of the nation plummeted, and the junta's attempts to grab foreign exchange as well as inconsistent business and import regulations have only made matters worse, reports AFP. Things have been made worse as a result of the rise in global commodity prices brought on by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leaving many people struggling to make ends meet and turning to subsidies or charity to put food on the table. Also read | Myanmar junta says open to negotiations with ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi after her trial According to the World Bank, approximately 40 per cent of the population was living below the national poverty level in July. Inflation measured by the consumer price index reached 17.3 per cent in March. Khin Khin Than, a 55-year-old housewife, told AFP that "people can't spend much of their income on food because of higher commodity prices" as she waited in line to fill her plastic bottle with one of the many commodities in short supply: oil while being drenched in the monsoon rain. According to her, the market price for around 1.6 kg of oil has soared from 5,000 kyats to 9,000 kyats ($4.25). Also read | United Nations Myanmar envoy begins talks with junta chief State media reported last week that the price of a litre of diesel increased by about six US cents overnight, reaching a high of 2,440 kyats ($1.15) per litre. The price of rice has also skyrocketed due to rising transit costs as well as the military and anti-junta fighters turning large portions of the nation into battlefields. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

People in Myanmar forced to rely on charity due to rising costs and scarcity

Myanmar's military chief said on Friday (August 19) that the junta was open to negotiations with ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi to end the crisis sparked by its coup after her trials in a junta court have reached a conclusion.&nbsp;

Junta chief said that he would consider allowing Suu Kyi to be moved to house arrest from prison but only after verdicts in a litany of cases against her have been reached.&nbsp;

Min Aung Hlaing said in a statement, "After the legal processes against her according to the law are finished we are going to consider (negotiations) based on her response."&nbsp;

The statement added, "I will consider the matter...after the verdict is done. We did not impose strong charges on her and showed mercy even though we were able to do more."&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrible-and-sad-former-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-condemns-attack-on-salman-rushdie-508409">'Terrible and sad': Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan condemns attack on Salman Rushdie</a>&nbsp;

This comes days after Suu Kyi was convicted on more corruption charges by the court in military-ruled Myanmar. On August 15, the court sentenced her to another six years in jail in addition to the 11 she's already got.&nbsp;

The 77-year-old Nobel peace prize laureate denied all the charges and her lawyers are expected to appeal her sentencing by court.

On February 1, 2021, a coup d'état started in Myanmar when democratically elected members of the country's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), were deposed by the country's military.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Suu Kyi&nbsp;was detained along with ministers and members of the parliament. Ever since Suu Kyi has been in custody and facing multiple charges.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/balochistan-crash-pakistan-to-arrest-those-behind-social-media-propaganda-says-report-508452">Balochistan crash: Pakistan to arrest those behind social media 'propaganda', says report</a>&nbsp;

During the court proceedings, journalists were not allowed to attend and even her&nbsp;her lawyers gagged from speaking to the media.&nbsp;

The junta chief said that the military regime's cases against Suu Kyi were&nbsp;proceeding according to law.&nbsp;

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Myanmar's military chief said on Friday (August 19) that the junta was open to negotiations with ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi to end the crisis sparked by its coup after her trials in a junta court have reached a conclusion.

Myanmar's military chief said on Friday (August 19) that the junta was open to negotiations with ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi to end the crisis sparked by its coup after her trials in a junta court have reached a conclusion. Junta chief said that he would consider allowing Suu Kyi to be moved to house arrest from prison but only after verdicts in a litany of cases against her have been reached. Min Aung Hlaing said in a statement, "After the legal processes against her according to the law are finished we are going to consider (negotiations) based on her response." The statement added, "I will consider the matter...after the verdict is done. We did not impose strong charges on her and showed mercy even though we were able to do more." ALSO READ | 'Terrible and sad': Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan condemns attack on Salman Rushdie This comes days after Suu Kyi was convicted on more corruption charges by the court in military-ruled Myanmar. On August 15, the court sentenced her to another six years in jail in addition to the 11 she's already got. The 77-year-old Nobel peace prize laureate denied all the charges and her lawyers are expected to appeal her sentencing by court. On February 1, 2021, a coup d'état started in Myanmar when democratically elected members of the country's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), were deposed by the country's military. Suu Kyi was detained along with ministers and members of the parliament. Ever since Suu Kyi has been in custody and facing multiple charges. ALSO READ | Balochistan crash: Pakistan to arrest those behind social media 'propaganda', says report During the court proceedings, journalists were not allowed to attend and even her her lawyers gagged from speaking to the media. The junta chief said that the military regime's cases against Suu Kyi were proceeding according to law. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar junta says open to negotiations with ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi after her trial

Myanmar's Army Junta has executed 4 activists. These are the first executions in Myanmar since 1988. Global bodies are condemning the Junta's actions. U.S. wants the world to boycott the generals completely. Palki Sharma discusses India's dilemma.

Gravitas: Myanmar's Army Junta executes 4 political prisoners

The head of a regional coalition overseeing diplomatic attempts to end the post-coup turmoil called Myanmar's execution of four detainees, including a former member of Aung San Suu Kyi's party, "highly reprehensible." The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is presently headed by Cambodia, was "extremely troubled and deeply saddened" by the killings, which were Myanmar's first in decades.

It accused the junta in a statement released on Tuesday of a "gross lack of will" to cooperate with ASEAN's initiatives to promote communication between the military and its opponents. Additionally, it was highlighted in the announcement that the executions had occurred "despite the personal appeal" of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to halt the process. The 10-nation group, of which Myanmar is a member, has taken the lead in diplomatic efforts to put an end to the upheaval caused by the putsch last year.

It came to a "Five-Point Consensus" with the junta in April 2021, which asks for an end to violence and "constructive dialogue." However, fighting has persisted, with anti-junta organisations frequently battling with the military, which is accused of setting villages on fire. Critics assert that ASEAN's divisions, which have long been criticised as a toothless talking shop, have made efforts to settle the situation more difficult.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/economic-revival-hope-after-russia-ukraine-grain-deal-crashes-as-russia-cuts-gas-supply-to-europe-500669">Economic revival hope fails after Russia-Ukraine grain deal crashes as Russia cuts gas supply to Europe</a>

According to Cambodian state media, the foreign minister appointed by the junta in Myanmar has not received an invitation to the bloc's foreign ministers conference the next week. Hun Sen, the leader of Cambodia, is the only foreign head of state to have visited Myanmar since the coup, maintaining its isolation on the global stage. According to a local monitoring organisation, the military's crackdown on opposition has resulted in the deaths of more than 2,100 people since Myanmar's coup.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The head of a regional coalition overseeing diplomatic attempts to end the post-coup turmoil called Myanmar's execution of four detainees, including a former member of Aung San Suu Kyi's party, "highly reprehensible.

The head of a regional coalition overseeing diplomatic attempts to end the post-coup turmoil called Myanmar's execution of four detainees, including a former member of Aung San Suu Kyi's party, "highly reprehensible." The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is presently headed by Cambodia, was "extremely troubled and deeply saddened" by the killings, which were Myanmar's first in decades. It accused the junta in a statement released on Tuesday of a "gross lack of will" to cooperate with ASEAN's initiatives to promote communication between the military and its opponents. Additionally, it was highlighted in the announcement that the executions had occurred "despite the personal appeal" of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to halt the process. The 10-nation group, of which Myanmar is a member, has taken the lead in diplomatic efforts to put an end to the upheaval caused by the putsch last year. It came to a "Five-Point Consensus" with the junta in April 2021, which asks for an end to violence and "constructive dialogue." However, fighting has persisted, with anti-junta organisations frequently battling with the military, which is accused of setting villages on fire. Critics assert that ASEAN's divisions, which have long been criticised as a toothless talking shop, have made efforts to settle the situation more difficult. Also Read: Economic revival hope fails after Russia-Ukraine grain deal crashes as Russia cuts gas supply to Europe According to Cambodian state media, the foreign minister appointed by the junta in Myanmar has not received an invitation to the bloc's foreign ministers conference the next week. Hun Sen, the leader of Cambodia, is the only foreign head of state to have visited Myanmar since the coup, maintaining its isolation on the global stage. According to a local monitoring organisation, the military's crackdown on opposition has resulted in the deaths of more than 2,100 people since Myanmar's coup. (with inputs from agencies)

ASEAN terms Myanmar junta executions 'highly reprehensible', says 'saddened' by killings

Nearly a year and a half after the the country's democratically elected government was toppled in a coup and the Junta installed at the helm, the new leaders have turned to an old and, some might argue, barbarous, method of punishment. According to state media, Myanmar’s Junta recently executed four prisoners, in the country’s first use of capital punishment in decades. 
 
AFP reports that a former lawmaker for the unseated Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party was among those executed.&nbsp;As per a June press release by the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR), they are the first judicial executions in Myanmar since 1988.

As part of its campaign against dissent after seizing power last year, the junta has sentenced dozens of anti-coup activists, although the country had not carried out an execution in decades.

Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar: UN expert urges more pressure on Junta as it shifts Suu Kyi to solitary confinement

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Former lawmaker and hip-hop artist Phyo Zeya Thaw,&nbsp;and another well-known democracy campaigner Kyaw Min Yu,&nbsp;better known as “Jimmy” were among&nbsp;the four&nbsp;put to death for participating in “brutal and barbaric terror acts”,&nbsp;according to the Myanmar publication Global New Light.

The four people who were executed were accused of participating in “terror acts” by the military government in Myanmar. They were subsequently charged under&nbsp;counter-terrorism laws and the penal code, and the punishment was administered in accordance with prison procedures, reported&nbsp;Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pleas-for-help-as-myanmar-awaits-high-profile-executions-489460">Pleas for help as Myanmar awaits high-profile executions</a>

International nations harshly criticised the junta when it revealed last month that it would carry out the executions.&nbsp;The junta’s decision was also denounced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as “a blatant violation of the right to life, liberty, and security of person.”

The military&nbsp;alleged voting fraud in the 2020 elections, which the NLD had won by a landslide. This was used as justification for its coup on February 1 of last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-top-court-says-myanmar-genocide-case-can-proceed-499816">UN top court says Myanmar genocide case can proceed</a>

NLD leader Suu Kyi has been in detention ever since, and a junta court has charged her with a number of offences that could result in a sentence of more than 150 years in prison.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nearly a year and a half after the the country's democratically elected government was toppled in a coup and the Junta installed at the helm, the new leaders have turned to an old and, some might argue, barbarous, method of punishment.

Nearly a year and a half after the the country's democratically elected government was toppled in a coup and the Junta installed at the helm, the new leaders have turned to an old and, some might argue, barbarous, method of punishment. According to state media, Myanmar’s Junta recently executed four prisoners, in the country’s first use of capital punishment in decades. AFP reports that a former lawmaker for the unseated Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party was among those executed. As per a June press release by the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR), they are the first judicial executions in Myanmar since 1988. As part of its campaign against dissent after seizing power last year, the junta has sentenced dozens of anti-coup activists, although the country had not carried out an execution in decades. Watch | Myanmar: UN expert urges more pressure on Junta as it shifts Suu Kyi to solitary confinement Former lawmaker and hip-hop artist Phyo Zeya Thaw, and another well-known democracy campaigner Kyaw Min Yu, better known as “Jimmy” were among the four put to death for participating in “brutal and barbaric terror acts”, according to the Myanmar publication Global New Light. The four people who were executed were accused of participating in “terror acts” by the military government in Myanmar. They were subsequently charged under counter-terrorism laws and the penal code, and the punishment was administered in accordance with prison procedures, reported Reuters. Also read | Pleas for help as Myanmar awaits high-profile executions International nations harshly criticised the junta when it revealed last month that it would carry out the executions. The junta’s decision was also denounced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as “a blatant violation of the right to life, liberty, and security of person.” The military alleged voting fraud in the 2020 elections, which the NLD had won by a landslide. This was used as justification for its coup on February 1 of last year. Also read | UN top court says Myanmar genocide case can proceed NLD leader Suu Kyi has been in detention ever since, and a junta court has charged her with a number of offences that could result in a sentence of more than 150 years in prison. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar junta executes leading democracy campaigner & 3 others in country’s 1st executions since 1988

Reports claim soldiers in Myanmar have admitted to killing and torturing civilians.

A report by the BBC said it had interviewed soldiers who had defected to a local civilian militia group. The report&nbsp;said soldiers were ordered to fire at&nbsp;a village in central Myanmar as they shot civilians. There were also reports of sexual abuse against women in Yae Myet village.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi had appeared before the world court last year after Gambia accused the Myanmar military leadership of genocide against Rohingyas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-in-bangladesh-cheer-us-decision-on-myanmar-genocide-465074">Also Read:&nbsp;Rohingya in Bangladesh cheer US decision on Myanmar 'genocide'</a>

The report comes as the world court is set to rule on Friday over the Myanmar junta's objection to the genocide case linked to the treatment of Rohingyas.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Rohingya refugees triggering socio-economic crisis in Bangladesh?

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Thousands of Rohingyas fled to neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 triggering a refugee crisis.&nbsp;Reports say despite several attempts, Rohingya refugees have refused to leave the camps in Bangladesh as the government began transporting refugees to an island in the Bay of Bengal.

Last week, rebels had claimed they captured junta troops as the fragile peace with the Arakan Army remained on tenterhooks. There has been largescale violence reported in Rakhine state which is home to Rohingyas as Rights groups have repeatedly accused the government soldiers of committing crimes.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Reports claim soldiers in Myanmar have admitted to killing and torturing civilians. A report by the BBC said it had interviewed soldiers who had defected to a local civilian militia group.

Reports claim soldiers in Myanmar have admitted to killing and torturing civilians. A report by the BBC said it had interviewed soldiers who had defected to a local civilian militia group. The report said soldiers were ordered to fire at a village in central Myanmar as they shot civilians. There were also reports of sexual abuse against women in Yae Myet village. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi had appeared before the world court last year after Gambia accused the Myanmar military leadership of genocide against Rohingyas. Also Read: Rohingya in Bangladesh cheer US decision on Myanmar 'genocide' The report comes as the world court is set to rule on Friday over the Myanmar junta's objection to the genocide case linked to the treatment of Rohingyas. Watch: Rohingya refugees triggering socio-economic crisis in Bangladesh? Thousands of Rohingyas fled to neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 triggering a refugee crisis. Reports say despite several attempts, Rohingya refugees have refused to leave the camps in Bangladesh as the government began transporting refugees to an island in the Bay of Bengal. Last week, rebels had claimed they captured junta troops as the fragile peace with the Arakan Army remained on tenterhooks. There has been largescale violence reported in Rakhine state which is home to Rohingyas as Rights groups have repeatedly accused the government soldiers of committing crimes. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar soldiers tortured civilians: Report

Myanmar has not seen a single judicial execution since 1990 but that is all about to change. The country’s junta is all set to carry out the execution of Phyo Zeya Thaw, a prominent democracy activist who was also a part of Aung San Suu Kyi’s party. A spokesman confirmed to AFP that the activist was convicted of terrorism and will become the first judicial execution in more than three decades. Spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said that democracy activist Ko Jimmy and two others will also be executed. The four people were part of the anti-coup activists who were handed death sentences as part of the crackdown process when the military seized back the power in Myanmar last year.

"They continued the legal process of appealing and sending a request letter for the amendment of the sentence," said junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun according to an AFP report.

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"But the court rejected their appeal and request. There is no other step after that," he added.

Kyaw Min Yu, who is also known as Jimmy, is a prominent pro-democracy activist and his execution along with Phyo Zeya Thaw may result in public unrest among the citizens of Myanmar.

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The spokesman also said that the two other men were sentenced to death in connection to the murder of woman who they thought was an informer for the junta in Yangon.

While the news has already created a lot of ripples in Myanmar and all around the world, the spokesman also said that no official date has been set for the executions.

Myanmar has not seen a single judicial execution since 1990 but that is all about to change. The country’s junta is all set to carry out the execution of Phyo Zeya Thaw, a prominent democracy activist who was also a part of Aung San Suu Kyi’s party.

Myanmar has not seen a single judicial execution since 1990 but that is all about to change. The country’s junta is all set to carry out the execution of Phyo Zeya Thaw, a prominent democracy activist who was also a part of Aung San Suu Kyi’s party. A spokesman confirmed to AFP that the activist was convicted of terrorism and will become the first judicial execution in more than three decades. Spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said that democracy activist Ko Jimmy and two others will also be executed. The four people were part of the anti-coup activists who were handed death sentences as part of the crackdown process when the military seized back the power in Myanmar last year. "They continued the legal process of appealing and sending a request letter for the amendment of the sentence," said junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun according to an AFP report. Also read | Hong Kong police issues warning over Tiananmen Square anniversary gatherings "But the court rejected their appeal and request. There is no other step after that," he added. Kyaw Min Yu, who is also known as Jimmy, is a prominent pro-democracy activist and his execution along with Phyo Zeya Thaw may result in public unrest among the citizens of Myanmar. Also read | China claims it has developed AI powered defence against hypersonic missiles The spokesman also said that the two other men were sentenced to death in connection to the murder of woman who they thought was an informer for the junta in Yangon. While the news has already created a lot of ripples in Myanmar and all around the world, the spokesman also said that no official date has been set for the executions.

Myanmar junta to carry out country’s first judicial executions in more than three decades

Monks gather at Myanmar junta’s event to celebrate Buddha’s birthday

A Myanmar junta court on Wednesday (April 27) found deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi guilty of corruption and sentenced her to five years in prison, news agencies reported citing a source familiar with the matter.&nbsp;

On February 1, 2021, a coup d'état in Myanmar began when members of the ruling party National League for Democracy (NLD) were deposed by the military. Suu Kyi has been in military custody since the night of the coup.&nbsp;

The 76-year-old Nobel laureate is facing criminal cases that could apparently see her jailed for decades. In the latest case, she was accused of accepting a bribe of $600,000 cash and gold bars. Meanwhile, Suu Kyi had called the allegations "absurd" and denied all the charges. &nbsp;

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The source further added that the judge handed down the verdict within moments of the court convening.&nbsp;

The source declined to be identified because the trial is being held behind closed doors, with information restricted.&nbsp;

It has been understood that the case centred on allegations that Suu Kyi accepted 11.4 kg of gold and cash payments from her protege-turned-accuser, former Yangon chief minister Phyo Min Thein.&nbsp;

Reports have stated that Suu Kyi has been held in an undisclosed location, however, there's no confirmation whether she would be transferred to a prison.&nbsp;

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The international community has been demanding the release of Suu Kyi ever since she, with some other politicians, was detained when the military seized control of the country and ousted the democratically elected government.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The military says Suu Kyi is on trial because she committed crimes and is being given due process by an independent judiciary.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;

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A Myanmar junta court on Wednesday (April 27) found deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi guilty of corruption and sentenced her to five years in prison, news agencies reported citing a source familiar with the matter.

A Myanmar junta court on Wednesday (April 27) found deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi guilty of corruption and sentenced her to five years in prison, news agencies reported citing a source familiar with the matter. On February 1, 2021, a coup d'état in Myanmar began when members of the ruling party National League for Democracy (NLD) were deposed by the military. Suu Kyi has been in military custody since the night of the coup. The 76-year-old Nobel laureate is facing criminal cases that could apparently see her jailed for decades. In the latest case, she was accused of accepting a bribe of $600,000 cash and gold bars. Meanwhile, Suu Kyi had called the allegations "absurd" and denied all the charges. ALSO READ | World Bank agrees to provide $600 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka The source further added that the judge handed down the verdict within moments of the court convening. The source declined to be identified because the trial is being held behind closed doors, with information restricted. It has been understood that the case centred on allegations that Suu Kyi accepted 11.4 kg of gold and cash payments from her protege-turned-accuser, former Yangon chief minister Phyo Min Thein. Reports have stated that Suu Kyi has been held in an undisclosed location, however, there's no confirmation whether she would be transferred to a prison. ALSO WATCH | North Korea remains unvaccinated as it demands American jabs against COVID-19 × ALSO READ | Sri Lanka unveils new 'golden' visa policy to combat economic crisis The international community has been demanding the release of Suu Kyi ever since she, with some other politicians, was detained when the military seized control of the country and ousted the democratically elected government. The military says Suu Kyi is on trial because she committed crimes and is being given due process by an independent judiciary. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Myanmar junta sentences Aung San Suu Kyi for five years in prison

Myanmar's junta chief on Friday called for face-to-face peace talks with the country's established ethnic rebel groups, as the military struggles to crush newer anti-junta militias that have sprung up to fight the coup.

Myanmar has about 20 ethnic rebel armies -- many of which control swathes of remote border territory -- that have fought each other and the military for decades over the drug trade, natural resources and autonomy.

Some have condemned the ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and offered shelter and weapons training to "People's Defence Forces" (PDF) that have sprung up since the putsch and which analysts say have surprised the military with their effectiveness.&nbsp;

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"I invite leaders of ethnic armed groups for dialogue," junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said in an address on state media, calling for representatives to register by May 9 and adding he would meet them personally.

"We are all going to discuss honestly and openly... for the people to be able to enjoy the essence of peace and development," he said, without giving a date for proposed talks.

The call comes amid daily clashes between junta troops and PDF groups, some of which are fighting alongside ethnic rebels in border areas.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Junta burns over 100 villages in Central Myanmar

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Last week, the junta said its troops had displaced hundreds of PDF fighters as well as members of the Kachin Independence Army after days of clashes around Pinlebu town in the northern Sagaing region.

Heavy fighting has also been reported in Kayin state near the Thai border, with PDF fighters conducting operations alongside troops from the Karen National Union, another established rebel group.

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Last month, Min Aung Hlaing vowed the military would "annihilate" PDF forces in a speech at the annual Armed Forces Day parade, which was attended by representatives from several ethnic rebel groups.

More than 1,700 people have been killed in a military crackdown since the coup, according to a local monitoring group.&nbsp;

Myanmar's junta chief on Friday called for face-to-face peace talks with the country's established ethnic rebel groups, as the military struggles to crush newer anti-junta militias that have sprung up to fight the coup.

Myanmar's junta chief on Friday called for face-to-face peace talks with the country's established ethnic rebel groups, as the military struggles to crush newer anti-junta militias that have sprung up to fight the coup. Myanmar has about 20 ethnic rebel armies -- many of which control swathes of remote border territory -- that have fought each other and the military for decades over the drug trade, natural resources and autonomy. Some have condemned the ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and offered shelter and weapons training to "People's Defence Forces" (PDF) that have sprung up since the putsch and which analysts say have surprised the military with their effectiveness. Also read | To mark New Year holiday, Myanmar's junta govt releases over 1,600 prisoners, but not ‘political detainees’ "I invite leaders of ethnic armed groups for dialogue," junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said in an address on state media, calling for representatives to register by May 9 and adding he would meet them personally. "We are all going to discuss honestly and openly... for the people to be able to enjoy the essence of peace and development," he said, without giving a date for proposed talks. The call comes amid daily clashes between junta troops and PDF groups, some of which are fighting alongside ethnic rebels in border areas. Watch | Junta burns over 100 villages in Central Myanmar Last week, the junta said its troops had displaced hundreds of PDF fighters as well as members of the Kachin Independence Army after days of clashes around Pinlebu town in the northern Sagaing region. Heavy fighting has also been reported in Kayin state near the Thai border, with PDF fighters conducting operations alongside troops from the Karen National Union, another established rebel group. Also read | Sketches smuggled out of Myanmar's prison tell horrible tale of country's most notorious jail - see pics Last month, Min Aung Hlaing vowed the military would "annihilate" PDF forces in a speech at the annual Armed Forces Day parade, which was attended by representatives from several ethnic rebel groups. More than 1,700 people have been killed in a military crackdown since the coup, according to a local monitoring group.

Myanmar junta chief calls for peace talks with ethnic rebels

Sketches smuggled out of Myanmar's prison tell horrible tale of country's most notorious jail - see pics

The United States has formally determined that violence committed against the Rohingya minority by Myanmar's military amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity.

US determines Myanmar Junta committed genocide against Rohingya

Myanmar's military government complained on Monday of biased coverage by&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;media, which it said was misreporting events in the country and being swayed by distorted information from "terrorists" determined to create instability.

In a rare statement, the State Administrative Council (SAC), as the&nbsp;junta&nbsp;is known, said it was a friend to the&nbsp;media&nbsp;and international community, but those were misrepresenting its efforts to ensure peace and protect its citizens.

"What we find troubling is the clear and persistent bias of certain&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;media&nbsp;towards terrorist groups. But these&nbsp;media&nbsp;are doing so without fully ascertaining the facts," its information ministry said.

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"The terrorists appear to have swayed sections of the&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;media&nbsp;who report without checking, and repeat misinformation as truth."

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in turmoil since a coup a year ago, with at least 1,500 civilians killed by security forces, according to activists cited by the United Nations, which the&nbsp;junta&nbsp;has also accused of bias.

The military has been battling militias allied with a parallel National Unity Government (NUG), which last year called for a nationwide revolt and has been outlawed by the&nbsp;junta.

State&nbsp;media&nbsp;coverage of the unrest has been rare, but the military has denied committing atrocities.

The SAC on Monday said 4,338 "terrorists" had been arrested overall, but nearly 49,000 people prosecuted for joining anti-coup protests had been released.

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It did not mention military casualties but said 95 civil servants and 20 monks had been killed, while 525 roads and bridges, 27 hospitals, 504 schools and educational facilities had been destroyed, during 9,437 attacks.

The SAC's statement made no mention of a peace process it has committed to with its Southeast Asian neighbours, but said it would hold an election by August next year.

It urged&nbsp;media&nbsp;to recognise "the return to normalcy in all major towns and cities".

Watch |&nbsp;UN rights expert urges cutting off weapon supply to Myanmar junta

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Nay Phone Latt, a senior member of the ruling party ousted by the military and a representative of the NUG, defended the integrity of the press and said armed resistance was justified.

"The people are in a defensive war with SAC members who arrest, torture and kill civilians and burn down peoples' houses," Nay Phone Latt told Reuters.

Myanmar's military government complained on Monday of biased coverage by foreign media, which it said was misreporting events in the country and being swayed by distorted information from "terrorists" determined to create instability.

Myanmar's military government complained on Monday of biased coverage by foreign media, which it said was misreporting events in the country and being swayed by distorted information from "terrorists" determined to create instability. In a rare statement, the State Administrative Council (SAC), as the junta is known, said it was a friend to the media and international community, but those were misrepresenting its efforts to ensure peace and protect its citizens. "What we find troubling is the clear and persistent bias of certain foreign media towards terrorist groups. But these media are doing so without fully ascertaining the facts," its information ministry said. Also read | EU sanctions 22 Myanmar officials, gas company over abuses "The terrorists appear to have swayed sections of the foreign media who report without checking, and repeat misinformation as truth." Myanmar has been in turmoil since a coup a year ago, with at least 1,500 civilians killed by security forces, according to activists cited by the United Nations, which the junta has also accused of bias. The military has been battling militias allied with a parallel National Unity Government (NUG), which last year called for a nationwide revolt and has been outlawed by the junta. State media coverage of the unrest has been rare, but the military has denied committing atrocities. The SAC on Monday said 4,338 "terrorists" had been arrested overall, but nearly 49,000 people prosecuted for joining anti-coup protests had been released. Also read | EU expands sanctions on Myanmar military junta regime It did not mention military casualties but said 95 civil servants and 20 monks had been killed, while 525 roads and bridges, 27 hospitals, 504 schools and educational facilities had been destroyed, during 9,437 attacks. The SAC's statement made no mention of a peace process it has committed to with its Southeast Asian neighbours, but said it would hold an election by August next year. It urged media to recognise "the return to normalcy in all major towns and cities". Watch | UN rights expert urges cutting off weapon supply to Myanmar junta Nay Phone Latt, a senior member of the ruling party ousted by the military and a representative of the NUG, defended the integrity of the press and said armed resistance was justified. "The people are in a defensive war with SAC members who arrest, torture and kill civilians and burn down peoples' houses," Nay Phone Latt told Reuters.

Myanmar junta accuses foreign media of 'persistent bias'

Marking one year since the military seized power and the country descended into chaos, on Monday a new set of sanctions was imposed by the United States, Britain, and Canada against additional officials in Myanmar.

The three nations, which have already imposed sanctions on commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing and other members of the junta, jointly targeted judicial officials involved in the prosecution of ousted Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-slaps-election-fraud-charges-against-aung-san-suu-kyi-449305">Myanmar junta slaps election fraud charges against Aung San Suu Kyi</a>

In addition, Washington has sanctioned a directorate that purchases weapons for the junta from overseas. It also has sanctioned an alleged arms dealer Tay Za, and his two adult sons; and a company KT Services &amp; Logistics Company Ltd and its Chief Executive Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung that it believes provides financial support to the junta.

Since the Feb. 1, 2021, coup, Suu Kyi and members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party have been detained by the military. Military officials claimed fraud in the NLD's landslide victory in the November 2020 election. However, Monitoring groups said the vote reflected the wishes of the country's residents.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the coordinated action shows the international community's support for Myanmar and will "further promote accountability for the coup and the violence perpetrated by the military," citing the deaths of nearly 1,500 people and the detention of 10,000 by a military attempting to consolidate control.

As part of its investigations into atrocities committed over the past year, UN investigators said on Monday that they are preparing files that could facilitate prosecutions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suu-kyi-indispensable-for-democracy-in-myanmar-says-the-philippines-445265">Suu Kyi 'indispensable' for democracy in Myanmar, says the Philippines</a>

"Those who are considering committing crimes should be aware that serious international crimes have no statute of limitations," Nicholas Koumjian, head of the Geneva-based Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, said in a statement.

US Treasury said that seven individuals and two entities have been added to its sanctions list. Among them is the junta's attorney general, Thida Oo, whose office it alleged crafted politically motivated charges against Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

The Treasury also named the Myanmar Supreme Court's chief justice and the chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission, who it said were also involved in prosecuting Suu Kyi and NLD leaders.

In general, Americans are barred from doing business with those blacklisted by the action, their US assets are frozen.

Watch | Top justice officials hit with fresh Myanmar sanctions one year after military coup

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"As long as the regime continues to deny the people of Burma their democratic voice, we will continue to impose further costs on the military and its supporters," US President Joe Biden said in a statement on Monday condemning Myanmar's military rulers.

Canada announced that it would also add the three judicial officials to its sanctions list. The British government has announced that it will list Myanmar's attorney general, the chair of the corruption commission, and the chair of Myanmar's election commission, appointed by the junta.

(With inputs from agencies)

Marking one year since the military seized power and the country descended into chaos, on Monday a new set of sanctions was imposed by the United States, Britain, and Canada against additional officials in Myanmar.

Marking one year since the military seized power and the country descended into chaos, on Monday a new set of sanctions was imposed by the United States, Britain, and Canada against additional officials in Myanmar. The three nations, which have already imposed sanctions on commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing and other members of the junta, jointly targeted judicial officials involved in the prosecution of ousted Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Also read | Myanmar junta slaps election fraud charges against Aung San Suu Kyi In addition, Washington has sanctioned a directorate that purchases weapons for the junta from overseas. It also has sanctioned an alleged arms dealer Tay Za, and his two adult sons; and a company KT Services & Logistics Company Ltd and its Chief Executive Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung that it believes provides financial support to the junta. Since the Feb. 1, 2021, coup, Suu Kyi and members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party have been detained by the military. Military officials claimed fraud in the NLD's landslide victory in the November 2020 election. However, Monitoring groups said the vote reflected the wishes of the country's residents. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the coordinated action shows the international community's support for Myanmar and will "further promote accountability for the coup and the violence perpetrated by the military," citing the deaths of nearly 1,500 people and the detention of 10,000 by a military attempting to consolidate control. As part of its investigations into atrocities committed over the past year, UN investigators said on Monday that they are preparing files that could facilitate prosecutions. Also read | Suu Kyi 'indispensable' for democracy in Myanmar, says the Philippines "Those who are considering committing crimes should be aware that serious international crimes have no statute of limitations," Nicholas Koumjian, head of the Geneva-based Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, said in a statement. US Treasury said that seven individuals and two entities have been added to its sanctions list. Among them is the junta's attorney general, Thida Oo, whose office it alleged crafted politically motivated charges against Suu Kyi. The Treasury also named the Myanmar Supreme Court's chief justice and the chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission, who it said were also involved in prosecuting Suu Kyi and NLD leaders. In general, Americans are barred from doing business with those blacklisted by the action, their US assets are frozen. Watch | Top justice officials hit with fresh Myanmar sanctions one year after military coup "As long as the regime continues to deny the people of Burma their democratic voice, we will continue to impose further costs on the military and its supporters," US President Joe Biden said in a statement on Monday condemning Myanmar's military rulers. Canada announced that it would also add the three judicial officials to its sanctions list. The British government has announced that it will list Myanmar's attorney general, the chair of the corruption commission, and the chair of Myanmar's election commission, appointed by the junta. (With inputs from agencies)

One year since the coup, US, Britain, Canada impose fresh sanctions on Myanmar officials

From coup to the jailing of Suu Kyi, here's a look at Myanmar's year of turmoil

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen arrived in Myanmar on Friday to an honour guard and red carpet. His visit prompted protests by coup opponents in other parts of the country over fears the visit will grant the military junta more legitimacy.

Myanmar's army overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1 last year, triggering months of protests and bloodshed. The Cambodian PM's two-day visit is the first by a government official to the country since the military overthrew the government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-army-is-accused-of-massacring-dozens-of-civilians-440516">Myanmar’s army is accused of massacring dozens of civilians</a>

Currently, Cambodia chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has been trying to broker a peace deal in Myanmar and which adopted a five-point "consensus" peace plan in April.

The junta's failure to implement the plan has enraged some ASEAN nations, including Indonesia.

Many opponents of military rule in Myanmar have claimed that Hun Sen is supporting the junta by making the trip.

On social media, images and videos showed protesters in Depayin, about 300 kilometres north of the capital, Naypyidaw burning a poster of Hun Sen, chanting "Hun Sen don't come to Myanmar. We don't want dictator Hun Sen".

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
As <a href="https://twitter.com/hunsencambodia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hunsencambodia</a>, Prime Minister of Cambodia touched down in Myanmar, Australia Myanmar diaspora community &amp; Cambodia community staged protests in front of the embassy of Myanmar and Cambodia in Canberra. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2022Jan7Coup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#2022Jan7Coup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsHappeningInMyanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar</a> <a href="https://t.co/UMa1dgMr3z">pic.twitter.com/UMa1dgMr3z</a>
— Phyo (@ThetMarPhyo10) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThetMarPhyo10/status/1479387755008327680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Further protests were reported in the second city of Mandalay, as well as in the regions of Tanintharyi and Monywa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-conflict-torn-myanmar-more-than-30-killed-bodies-burnt-say-reports-439904">In conflict-torn Myanmar, more than 30 killed, bodies burnt, say reports</a>

In a speech on Wednesday, Hun Sen urged everyone in Myanmar to exercise restraint and follow the peace plan.

"Brothers in Myanmar, do you want your country to fall into a real civil war or want it solved?" he said.

After a phone call with Hun Sen this week, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in a Twitter message that only non-political representatives from Myanmar should be invited to ASEAN meetings if there is no significant progress on the peace plan.

For failing to comply with ASEAN's demands, his failure to cease hostilities, allow humanitarian access and start a dialogue, as agreed with ASEAN, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing was barred from attending the ASEAN summit in October.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: What is India's Myanmar strategy?

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Hun Sen, however, in a further sign of division within ASEAN, said junta officials should be allowed to attend ASEAN meetings.

Hun Sen is one of the world's longest-serving leaders and Western countries and human rights organisations have long condemned him for crackdowns on opposition figures, civil rights organizations, and the media.

Emerlynne Gil, the Deputy Regional Director for Research at Amnesty International, says the &nbsp;visit risks sending mixed signals to Mynamar's military leader and Hun Sen should instead lead ASEAN to take strong actions to address the country's "dire human rights situation."

He will meet with military leader Min Aung Hlaing. However, the U.S.-funded Radio Free Asia reported, citing a junta spokesman that he would not meet with Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been detained since the coup. Suu Kyi is on trial, facing nearly a dozen charges that carry combined maximum sentences of more than 100 years.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen arrived in Myanmar on Friday to an honour guard and red carpet. His visit prompted protests by coup opponents in other parts of the country over fears the visit will grant the military junta more legitimacy.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen arrived in Myanmar on Friday to an honour guard and red carpet. His visit prompted protests by coup opponents in other parts of the country over fears the visit will grant the military junta more legitimacy. Myanmar's army overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1 last year, triggering months of protests and bloodshed. The Cambodian PM's two-day visit is the first by a government official to the country since the military overthrew the government. Also read | Myanmar’s army is accused of massacring dozens of civilians Currently, Cambodia chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has been trying to broker a peace deal in Myanmar and which adopted a five-point "consensus" peace plan in April. The junta's failure to implement the plan has enraged some ASEAN nations, including Indonesia. Many opponents of military rule in Myanmar have claimed that Hun Sen is supporting the junta by making the trip. On social media, images and videos showed protesters in Depayin, about 300 kilometres north of the capital, Naypyidaw burning a poster of Hun Sen, chanting "Hun Sen don't come to Myanmar. We don't want dictator Hun Sen". As @hunsencambodia, Prime Minister of Cambodia touched down in Myanmar, Australia Myanmar diaspora community & Cambodia community staged protests in front of the embassy of Myanmar and Cambodia in Canberra. #2022Jan7Coup #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar pic.twitter.com/UMa1dgMr3z — Phyo (@ThetMarPhyo10) January 7, 2022 × Further protests were reported in the second city of Mandalay, as well as in the regions of Tanintharyi and Monywa. Also read | In conflict-torn Myanmar, more than 30 killed, bodies burnt, say reports In a speech on Wednesday, Hun Sen urged everyone in Myanmar to exercise restraint and follow the peace plan. "Brothers in Myanmar, do you want your country to fall into a real civil war or want it solved?" he said. After a phone call with Hun Sen this week, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in a Twitter message that only non-political representatives from Myanmar should be invited to ASEAN meetings if there is no significant progress on the peace plan. For failing to comply with ASEAN's demands, his failure to cease hostilities, allow humanitarian access and start a dialogue, as agreed with ASEAN, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing was barred from attending the ASEAN summit in October. Watch | Gravitas: What is India's Myanmar strategy? Hun Sen, however, in a further sign of division within ASEAN, said junta officials should be allowed to attend ASEAN meetings. Hun Sen is one of the world's longest-serving leaders and Western countries and human rights organisations have long condemned him for crackdowns on opposition figures, civil rights organizations, and the media. Emerlynne Gil, the Deputy Regional Director for Research at Amnesty International, says the visit risks sending mixed signals to Mynamar's military leader and Hun Sen should instead lead ASEAN to take strong actions to address the country's "dire human rights situation." He will meet with military leader Min Aung Hlaing. However, the U.S.-funded Radio Free Asia reported, citing a junta spokesman that he would not meet with Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been detained since the coup. Suu Kyi is on trial, facing nearly a dozen charges that carry combined maximum sentences of more than 100 years. (With inputs from agencies)

In Myanmar, Cambodian PM met with a red-carpet welcome and chants of 'We don't need you'

An international aid group and opponents of Myanmar’s ruling military have accused soldiers of killing at least 35 villagers who were fleeing combat on Christmas Eve and of then burning their bodies. The aid group said that two of its staff members may have been among those killed.

Photographs said to have been taken at the scene, in Kayah state, show the charred remains of bodies in the back of three trucks. According to the aid group, Save the Children, a car that two of its staff members had been using to drive home for the holidays was among a dozen or so charred vehicles at the scene. The staff members are now missing, the group said.

“We are horrified at the violence carried out against innocent civilians and our staff, who are dedicated humanitarians, supporting millions of children in need across Myanmar,” Save the Children’s chief executive, Inger Ashing, said in a statement Saturday.

The army, which ruled Myanmar for nearly half a century before granting civilian leaders some power a decade ago, seized full control again in a Feb. 1 coup and has since mounted a vicious crackdown against its opponents, some of whom have taken up arms. The army, known as the Tatmadaw, has a long history of committing atrocities against civilians.

The junta said in a statement Friday that the vehicles found at the scene had not stopped for inspection as ordered and that some “terrorists” in the group had begun shooting at soldiers, who returned fire.

The statement did not mention the burning of any vehicles or bodies. A spokesman for the military could not be reached for comment Sunday.

The U.S. Embassy in Myanmar said on Twitter that it was “appalled by this barbaric attack in Kayah state that killed at least 35 civilians, including women and children.”

“We will continue to press for accountability for the perpetrators of the ongoing campaign of violence against the people of Burma,” the embassy added, using Myanmar’s former name.

A senior United Nations official called for an immediate “thorough and transparent investigation into the incident so that perpetrators can be swiftly brought to justice.”

Martin Griffiths, the undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and the emergency relief coordinator, said on Twitter that he was “horrified” by reports of the attack. “I condemn this grievous incident and all attacks against civilians throughout the country, which are prohibited under international humanitarian law,” he said.

The killings took place about 150 miles southeast of Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, near a military-controlled area of Kayah state where the Karenni ethnic group has long sought autonomy from the central government.

For decades, the military has battled intermittently with several armed Karenni groups, one of the many conflicts it has waged against ethnic militias around the country. Since the coup, the fighting in Kayah state has escalated.

Save the Children said that at least 38 people had been killed in the incident Friday morning, which took place near the village of Moso in the Hpruso township, a Christian community. The National Unity Government, a shadow administration formed by elected officials ousted after the coup, put the number of dead at 35 to 40.

According to the unity government, troops were conducting a “clearance operation” in the township, a brutal method that the military has often used to drive residents from an area, including during the 2017 campaign against Rohingya Muslims. It has been widely characterized as ethnic cleansing. In such operations, villagers are often killed indiscriminately and their homes burned.

On Friday, according to the National Unity Government, troops blocked the road outside Moso, trapped residents who were fleeing in cars and tractors, bound them and burned them alive, in what the shadow government called a “Christmas massacre.”

Four members of the junta’s border guard force, who were in the area, tried to intervene and negotiate the release of the villagers, but the soldiers shot and killed them, according to the unity government and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force, one of the armed groups operating in Kayah state.

The border guards’ bodies were not among those burned, said Gway Ba Yar, a spokesman for the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force, who said that he had gone to the scene and whose photographs have been widely distributed. His pictures show four dead men in border guard uniforms with their hands tied behind their backs.

Ba Nya, a spokesman for the Karenni Human Rights Group, who said that he had also visited the scene, said he believed that several children, including an infant, were among those killed, based on the children’s clothing he said had been strewn on the road.

“This is a brutal war crime committed by the Myanmar military,” Ba Nya said.

The unity government, known as the NUG, has accused the junta of using “extreme terror tactics” against civilians. This month, it said, soldiers burned alive at least 11 people, including five children, in the Sagaing region, an area in northwestern Myanmar where many residents have mounted an armed resistance to the coup.

“As the world celebrates Christmas and its message of peace, the NUG repeats its demands on the international community to act immediately and decisively to end the military junta’s escalating war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Myanmar people,” the group said. 
&nbsp;

An international aid group and opponents of Myanmar’s ruling military have accused soldiers of killing at least 35 villagers who were fleeing combat on Christmas Eve and of then burning their bodies.

An international aid group and opponents of Myanmar’s ruling military have accused soldiers of killing at least 35 villagers who were fleeing combat on Christmas Eve and of then burning their bodies. The aid group said that two of its staff members may have been among those killed. Photographs said to have been taken at the scene, in Kayah state, show the charred remains of bodies in the back of three trucks. According to the aid group, Save the Children, a car that two of its staff members had been using to drive home for the holidays was among a dozen or so charred vehicles at the scene. The staff members are now missing, the group said. “We are horrified at the violence carried out against innocent civilians and our staff, who are dedicated humanitarians, supporting millions of children in need across Myanmar,” Save the Children’s chief executive, Inger Ashing, said in a statement Saturday. The army, which ruled Myanmar for nearly half a century before granting civilian leaders some power a decade ago, seized full control again in a Feb. 1 coup and has since mounted a vicious crackdown against its opponents, some of whom have taken up arms. The army, known as the Tatmadaw, has a long history of committing atrocities against civilians. The junta said in a statement Friday that the vehicles found at the scene had not stopped for inspection as ordered and that some “terrorists” in the group had begun shooting at soldiers, who returned fire. The statement did not mention the burning of any vehicles or bodies. A spokesman for the military could not be reached for comment Sunday. The U.S. Embassy in Myanmar said on Twitter that it was “appalled by this barbaric attack in Kayah state that killed at least 35 civilians, including women and children.” “We will continue to press for accountability for the perpetrators of the ongoing campaign of violence against the people of Burma,” the embassy added, using Myanmar’s former name. A senior United Nations official called for an immediate “thorough and transparent investigation into the incident so that perpetrators can be swiftly brought to justice.” Martin Griffiths, the undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and the emergency relief coordinator, said on Twitter that he was “horrified” by reports of the attack. “I condemn this grievous incident and all attacks against civilians throughout the country, which are prohibited under international humanitarian law,” he said. The killings took place about 150 miles southeast of Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, near a military-controlled area of Kayah state where the Karenni ethnic group has long sought autonomy from the central government. For decades, the military has battled intermittently with several armed Karenni groups, one of the many conflicts it has waged against ethnic militias around the country. Since the coup, the fighting in Kayah state has escalated. Save the Children said that at least 38 people had been killed in the incident Friday morning, which took place near the village of Moso in the Hpruso township, a Christian community. The National Unity Government, a shadow administration formed by elected officials ousted after the coup, put the number of dead at 35 to 40. According to the unity government, troops were conducting a “clearance operation” in the township, a brutal method that the military has often used to drive residents from an area, including during the 2017 campaign against Rohingya Muslims. It has been widely characterized as ethnic cleansing. In such operations, villagers are often killed indiscriminately and their homes burned. On Friday, according to the National Unity Government, troops blocked the road outside Moso, trapped residents who were fleeing in cars and tractors, bound them and burned them alive, in what the shadow government called a “Christmas massacre.” Four members of the junta’s border guard force, who were in the area, tried to intervene and negotiate the release of the villagers, but the soldiers shot and killed them, according to the unity government and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force, one of the armed groups operating in Kayah state. The border guards’ bodies were not among those burned, said Gway Ba Yar, a spokesman for the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force, who said that he had gone to the scene and whose photographs have been widely distributed. His pictures show four dead men in border guard uniforms with their hands tied behind their backs. Ba Nya, a spokesman for the Karenni Human Rights Group, who said that he had also visited the scene, said he believed that several children, including an infant, were among those killed, based on the children’s clothing he said had been strewn on the road. “This is a brutal war crime committed by the Myanmar military,” Ba Nya said. The unity government, known as the NUG, has accused the junta of using “extreme terror tactics” against civilians. This month, it said, soldiers burned alive at least 11 people, including five children, in the Sagaing region, an area in northwestern Myanmar where many residents have mounted an armed resistance to the coup. “As the world celebrates Christmas and its message of peace, the NUG repeats its demands on the international community to act immediately and decisively to end the military junta’s escalating war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Myanmar people,” the group said.

Myanmar’s army is accused of massacring dozens of civilians

Photos of Myanmar's top Catholic prelate, Cardinal Charles Bo, with the country's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing sparked outrage after he was seen cutting a cake with coup leader amid a deadly military crackdown in the country.

Photos of Myanmar's top Catholic prelate, Cardinal Charles Bo, with the country's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing sparked outrage after he was seen cutting a cake with coup leader amid a deadly military crackdown in the country. State-backed Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported that Cardinal Charles Bo met the junta chief on Thursday (December 23) to hear Christmas carols. The meeting was also intended to "talk about peaceful and prosperous affairs" in the country. In one of the photos published by the state media, they can be seen sitting together in front of a Christmas tree. Another photo showed that they were cutting the cake. Meanwhile, in one photo, Min Aung Hlaing was spotted handing over a donation of $11,200. Bo was ordained a Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2015. ALSO READ | In Maldives Parliament, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina recalls Pakistani atrocities of 1971 The photos have angered the pro-democratic citizens and social media users. People in Myanmar are protesting ever since Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government was ousted by the military junta. In the aftermath, more than 1,300 people have been dead after Junta opposed the protests with a brutal crackdown. Hundreds are injured, thousands arrested if reports by a local monitor are to be believed. There's no certainty over how the prisoners are being treated. After the photos were circulated, some social media users have reacted sharply. One user posted on social media beneath a report on their meeting: "When Christians churches are being burned, even then he [Bo] accepts to meet him [Min Aung Hlaing]." "People shouldn't go and pray where he lives. This doesn't represent Catholic people. Why are you cutting cakes with such a murderer?" another wrote. ALSO READ | Myanmar jade mine landslide: One killed, over 70 feared missing Christmas Greetings on the occasion of the visit of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing; "Christmas is the season of God's reconciling love with human beings"(John 3:16) pic.twitter.com/Z5Cll9q6NB — Cardinal Bo (@cardinal_bo) December 24, 2021 × I wonder how would the people react when you ask them to forgive and love, Ask the people whose homes are burnt, the people whose families are tortured and killed viciously, the people who are now running for life. May the lord have mercy upon you for what you have done. — Naythan🇲🇲 (@NaythanInBurma) December 24, 2021 × Where is the dignity of Jesus? ✝ Mr.Cardinal, are you happy with the killer #MyanmarMilitaryTerrorist ? Do you not think that such conduct would bring disgrace to the Christian Congregation? What is happening in the world? Is the world without humanity and compassion? — Htet (@motokiddies) December 24, 2021 × December is no longer cold in Myanmar. Military Coup [2021 Feb 1] destroyed everything including democracy & human rights. #MyanmarMilitaryTerrorists keep committing #CrimesAgainstHumanity and #WarCrimes.#Dec24Coup #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar pic.twitter.com/01rrjPwBuK — Norah (@NWAYOO221) December 24, 2021 × Political chaos in Myanmar Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government, this year in February. Anti-coup militia have sprung up across the country to fight back against the junta, with some of the bloodiest fighting happening in Christian-majority areas. The United States said in October it was "gravely concerned" about reports that security forces had committed human rights violations and destroyed more than 100 homes as well as churches in majority-Christian Chin state. (With inputs from agencies)

'Cutting cakes with a murderer?': Photos of top Myanmar Catholic with junta chief spark outrage

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court on Friday (December 17) wearing prison clothes. The 76-year-old Nobel laureate was wearing the white top and brown wraparound longyi, which is the uniform for prisoners in the South Asian country as mentioned by Reuters report.&nbsp;

Important to note that this is for the first time Suu Kyi was seen in prison clothes. She was sentenced to two years' detention for incitement against the military and breaching coronavirus rules.&nbsp;

Myanmar has been in chaos and since February when Suu Kyi's civilian government was ousted by the military junta. Pro-democracy protests erupted across the country.&nbsp;

Junta opposed the protests with a brutal crackdown that has left more than 1,300 people dead, hundreds are injured, thousands arrested if reports by according to a local monitor are to be believed. There's no certainty over how the prisoners are being treated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-didnt-take-action-against-terrorists-as-groups-targeting-india-continue-to-operate-us-report-437657">Pakistan didn't take action against terrorists as groups targeting India continue to operate: US Report</a>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In court today, <a href="https://twitter.com/MyanmarSC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MyanmarSC</a> Aung San Suu Kyi's was seen wearing a white shirt and a brown longyi, and Dr.Myo Aung was wearing a white shirt and a blue longyi. These uniforms were sent by prison authorities.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dec17Coup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dec17Coup</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsHappeningInMyanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar</a> <a href="https://t.co/QPVWqe4k2h">pic.twitter.com/QPVWqe4k2h</a>
— Myat Phyo (@Danial_Phyo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Danial_Phyo/status/1471881389930733588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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'Alarming escalation in Myanmar'

Recently, the United Nations warned of an "alarming escalation" of human rights abuses in Myanmar as the military tried to crush dissent.&nbsp;

AFP mentioned that they were responding to the reported killing of 11 villagers, including children.&nbsp;

The United States said it was "outraged by credible and sickening reports" the military tied up and burned the victims alive.

Not just that, the United States also imposed sanctions and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has drawn up a peace roadmap.&nbsp;

As mentioned by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US is considering new measures to pressure the Myanmar junta to return to a "democratic trajectory".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court on Friday (December 17) wearing prison clothes. The 76-year-old Nobel laureate was wearing the white top and brown wraparound longyi, which is the uniform for prisoners in the South Asian country as mentioned by Reuters report.

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court on Friday (December 17) wearing prison clothes. The 76-year-old Nobel laureate was wearing the white top and brown wraparound longyi, which is the uniform for prisoners in the South Asian country as mentioned by Reuters report. Important to note that this is for the first time Suu Kyi was seen in prison clothes. She was sentenced to two years' detention for incitement against the military and breaching coronavirus rules. Myanmar has been in chaos and since February when Suu Kyi's civilian government was ousted by the military junta. Pro-democracy protests erupted across the country. Junta opposed the protests with a brutal crackdown that has left more than 1,300 people dead, hundreds are injured, thousands arrested if reports by according to a local monitor are to be believed. There's no certainty over how the prisoners are being treated. ALSO READ | Pakistan didn't take action against terrorists as groups targeting India continue to operate: US Report In court today, @MyanmarSC Aung San Suu Kyi's was seen wearing a white shirt and a brown longyi, and Dr.Myo Aung was wearing a white shirt and a blue longyi. These uniforms were sent by prison authorities.#Dec17Coup#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar pic.twitter.com/QPVWqe4k2h — Myat Phyo (@Danial_Phyo) December 17, 2021 × 'Alarming escalation in Myanmar' Recently, the United Nations warned of an "alarming escalation" of human rights abuses in Myanmar as the military tried to crush dissent. AFP mentioned that they were responding to the reported killing of 11 villagers, including children. The United States said it was "outraged by credible and sickening reports" the military tied up and burned the victims alive. Not just that, the United States also imposed sanctions and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has drawn up a peace roadmap. As mentioned by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US is considering new measures to pressure the Myanmar junta to return to a "democratic trajectory". (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appears in court wearing prison uniform

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			The United States is considering new measures to pressure the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;junta to return to a "democratic trajectory", Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday, as alarm grows over an escalating crackdown on dissent.

			Myanmar&nbsp;has been in chaos since February when Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government was ousted by the military.

			The United States has imposed some sanctions and regional bloc the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has drawn up a peace roadmap, but there are serious doubts about the generals' commitment.

			Speaking during a visit to Malaysia -- among several ASEAN states that have strongly criticised the coup -- Blinken conceded that the "situation has not improved".

			"I think it is going to be very important in the weeks and months ahead to look at what additional steps and measures we can take -- individually, collectively -- to pressure the regime to put the country back on a democratic trajectory," he said.&nbsp;

			"That is something that we are looking at," he added, without saying what the measures might be.

			The coup triggered nationwide protests but the junta has responded with a brutal crackdown that has left more than 1,300 people dead and seen thousands arrested, according to a local monitor.

			Blinken also said the United States was looking "very actively" at whether the treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;might "constitute genocide".

			The group faces widespread discrimination in&nbsp;Myanmar, and hundreds of thousands fled to neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 following a military crackdown.

			'Alarming escalation'

			Last week, the United Nations warned of an "alarming escalation" of human rights abuses in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;as the military tried to crush dissent.

			They were responding to the reported killing of 11 villagers, including children.

			The United States said it was "outraged by credible and sickening reports" the military tied up and burned the victims alive.

			The junta, locked in a bloody stalemate with militias fighting to overturn the coup, denied the claims.

			The generals have shown little sign of changing course despite sustained diplomatic pressure.

			ASEAN took the unprecedented step of banning junta chief Min Aung Hlaing from its October summit after the generals refused to let the bloc's envoy meet Suu Kyi.

			But there are signs that Cambodia –- which takes over ASEAN's rotating chairmanship next year -- is seeking to bring&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;back into the fold.

			Its strongman premier Hun Sen plans to travel to the country for talks in January, becoming the first international leader to visit&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;since the coup.

			Last week, Suu Kyi was sentenced to two years' detention for incitement against the military and breaching coronavirus rules, drawing fresh condemnation from around the world.

			The junta has justified the coup by alleging electoral fraud in last year's poll, and Suu Kyi faces a raft of further charges that could see her jailed for decades if convicted.rds
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The United States is considering new measures to pressure the Myanmar junta to return to a "democratic trajectory", Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday, as alarm grows over an escalating crackdown on dissent.

The United States is considering new measures to pressure the Myanmar junta to return to a "democratic trajectory", Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday, as alarm grows over an escalating crackdown on dissent. Myanmar has been in chaos since February when Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government was ousted by the military. The United States has imposed some sanctions and regional bloc the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has drawn up a peace roadmap, but there are serious doubts about the generals' commitment. Speaking during a visit to Malaysia -- among several ASEAN states that have strongly criticised the coup -- Blinken conceded that the "situation has not improved". "I think it is going to be very important in the weeks and months ahead to look at what additional steps and measures we can take -- individually, collectively -- to pressure the regime to put the country back on a democratic trajectory," he said. "That is something that we are looking at," he added, without saying what the measures might be. The coup triggered nationwide protests but the junta has responded with a brutal crackdown that has left more than 1,300 people dead and seen thousands arrested, according to a local monitor. Blinken also said the United States was looking "very actively" at whether the treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority Myanmar might "constitute genocide". The group faces widespread discrimination in Myanmar, and hundreds of thousands fled to neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 following a military crackdown. 'Alarming escalation' Last week, the United Nations warned of an "alarming escalation" of human rights abuses in Myanmar as the military tried to crush dissent. They were responding to the reported killing of 11 villagers, including children. The United States said it was "outraged by credible and sickening reports" the military tied up and burned the victims alive. The junta, locked in a bloody stalemate with militias fighting to overturn the coup, denied the claims. The generals have shown little sign of changing course despite sustained diplomatic pressure. ASEAN took the unprecedented step of banning junta chief Min Aung Hlaing from its October summit after the generals refused to let the bloc's envoy meet Suu Kyi. But there are signs that Cambodia –- which takes over ASEAN's rotating chairmanship next year -- is seeking to bring Myanmar back into the fold. Its strongman premier Hun Sen plans to travel to the country for talks in January, becoming the first international leader to visit Myanmar since the coup. Last week, Suu Kyi was sentenced to two years' detention for incitement against the military and breaching coronavirus rules, drawing fresh condemnation from around the world. The junta has justified the coup by alleging electoral fraud in last year's poll, and Suu Kyi faces a raft of further charges that could see her jailed for decades if convicted.rds

'Situation has not improved': US threatens new measures against Myanmar junta

Human Rights Watch noted that the Myanmar military junta is blocking "desperately needed" humanitarian aid from reaching millions of people in the South Asian nation.&nbsp;

It's important to note that mass protests have been taking place across Myanmar since the military seized control this year on February 1. As per the reports, hundreds of people, including children and women, have been killed so far.&nbsp;

In a statement by the Human Rights Watch, it has been revealed that the junta and its security forces have imposed new travel restrictions on humanitarian workers.&nbsp;

EXPLAINER |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-are-people-in-pakistans-gwadar-protesting-against-the-chinese-here-is-what-we-know-436605">Why are people in Pakistan's Gwadar protesting against the Chinese? Here is what we know</a>

They have blocked access roads, destroyed non-military supplies and shut down telecommunications services. The Human Rights Watch also reported that the aid workers have been attacked.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the February 1 coup, the Myanmar currency saw severe devaluation, leading to banking and supply chain crises and shortages of food, medicine and other basic amenities. Since the coup, the junta has carried out a nationwide crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.&nbsp;

In the statement, the Human Rights Watch also urged the United Nations, the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and concerned governments to press the State Administration Council (SAC) junta to urgently allow humanitarian aids to reach all those who need them.

Shayna Bauchner, Asia researcher as quoted by the Human Rights Watch, said, "Myanmar's junta has worsened a self-created humanitarian catastrophe by displacing hundreds of thousands of people and then blocking the critical support they need to survive."

"The generals are callously denying lifesaving assistance to people affected by conflict since the military takeover, seemingly as a form of punishment," he added.&nbsp;

In a report by Human Rights Watch, it has been revealed that fighting in some ethnic minority areas has expanded, resulting in war crimes. The crisis has displaced over 284,000 people, with an estimated 22,000 refugees fleeing to India and Thailand.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch noted that the Myanmar military junta is blocking "desperately needed" humanitarian aid from reaching millions of people in the South Asian nation.

Human Rights Watch noted that the Myanmar military junta is blocking "desperately needed" humanitarian aid from reaching millions of people in the South Asian nation. It's important to note that mass protests have been taking place across Myanmar since the military seized control this year on February 1. As per the reports, hundreds of people, including children and women, have been killed so far. In a statement by the Human Rights Watch, it has been revealed that the junta and its security forces have imposed new travel restrictions on humanitarian workers. EXPLAINER | Why are people in Pakistan's Gwadar protesting against the Chinese? Here is what we know They have blocked access roads, destroyed non-military supplies and shut down telecommunications services. The Human Rights Watch also reported that the aid workers have been attacked. In the aftermath of the February 1 coup, the Myanmar currency saw severe devaluation, leading to banking and supply chain crises and shortages of food, medicine and other basic amenities. Since the coup, the junta has carried out a nationwide crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. In the statement, the Human Rights Watch also urged the United Nations, the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and concerned governments to press the State Administration Council (SAC) junta to urgently allow humanitarian aids to reach all those who need them. Shayna Bauchner, Asia researcher as quoted by the Human Rights Watch, said, "Myanmar's junta has worsened a self-created humanitarian catastrophe by displacing hundreds of thousands of people and then blocking the critical support they need to survive." "The generals are callously denying lifesaving assistance to people affected by conflict since the military takeover, seemingly as a form of punishment," he added. In a report by Human Rights Watch, it has been revealed that fighting in some ethnic minority areas has expanded, resulting in war crimes. The crisis has displaced over 284,000 people, with an estimated 22,000 refugees fleeing to India and Thailand.

Myanmar junta blocking life-saving aid from reaching millions: Report

The United Nations Accreditation Committee has denied the chosen representatives of Afghanistan and Myanmar at the world body. The committee responsible for approving nominations of ambassadors met Wednesday but deferred a decision over rival claims to the seats for both countries.

UN Committee denies Taliban & Myanmar Military Junta's seats the world body

An American journalist detained in military-ruled&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;accused of incitement is facing new charges of sedition and terrorism, his lawyer said on Wednesday, in a setback for US&nbsp;efforts to secure his release.

Danny Fenster, 37, who was managing editor of Frontier&nbsp;Myanmar, a top independent news site, was detained at Yangon's international airport in May as he attempted to take a flight out of the country.

It was not immediately clear what Fenster was accused of in regard to the new charges, which are the most serious levelled against him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/information-combat-inside-the-fight-for-myanmars-soul-the-armys-parallel-fight-online-426151">Also read |&nbsp;'Information combat': Inside the fight for Myanmar's soul. The army's parallel fight online.</a>

If found guilty, he could be jailed for up to 20 years under a terrorism law and 20 years for sedition.

"We don't understand why they added more charges but it is definitely not good that they are adding charges," his lawyer, Than Zaw Aung, told Reuters.

"Danny also felt disappointed and sad regarding these new charges."

The United States has repeatedly pushed for the release of Fenster, who was initially charged with incitement and breaches of a colonial-era unlawful associations act. He is being held at Yangon's notorious Insein prison.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-us-diplomat-and-hostage-negotiator-on-visit-to-myanmar-426044" hreflang="en">Former US diplomat and hostage negotiator on visit to Myanmar</a>

Authorities overlooked him in a recent amnesty for hundreds of people detained over anti-junta protests, which included some media personnel.

The military has rescinded media licenses, imposed curbs on the internet and satellite broadcasts, and arrested dozens of journalists since its Feb. 1 coup, in what human rights groups have called an assault on the truth.

"We are as heartbroken about these charges as we have been about the other charges brought against Danny," his brother, Bryan Fenster, said in a text message.

A spokesperson for the ruling military council did not answer calls seeking comment.

The US&nbsp;embassy in Yangon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

An American journalist detained in military-ruled Myanmar accused of incitement is facing new charges of sedition and terrorism, his lawyer said on Wednesday, in a setback for US efforts to secure his release.

An American journalist detained in military-ruled Myanmar accused of incitement is facing new charges of sedition and terrorism, his lawyer said on Wednesday, in a setback for US efforts to secure his release. Danny Fenster, 37, who was managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, a top independent news site, was detained at Yangon's international airport in May as he attempted to take a flight out of the country. It was not immediately clear what Fenster was accused of in regard to the new charges, which are the most serious levelled against him. Also read | 'Information combat': Inside the fight for Myanmar's soul. The army's parallel fight online. If found guilty, he could be jailed for up to 20 years under a terrorism law and 20 years for sedition. "We don't understand why they added more charges but it is definitely not good that they are adding charges," his lawyer, Than Zaw Aung, told Reuters. "Danny also felt disappointed and sad regarding these new charges." The United States has repeatedly pushed for the release of Fenster, who was initially charged with incitement and breaches of a colonial-era unlawful associations act. He is being held at Yangon's notorious Insein prison. Also read | Former US diplomat and hostage negotiator on visit to Myanmar Authorities overlooked him in a recent amnesty for hundreds of people detained over anti-junta protests, which included some media personnel. The military has rescinded media licenses, imposed curbs on the internet and satellite broadcasts, and arrested dozens of journalists since its Feb. 1 coup, in what human rights groups have called an assault on the truth. "We are as heartbroken about these charges as we have been about the other charges brought against Danny," his brother, Bryan Fenster, said in a text message. A spokesperson for the ruling military council did not answer calls seeking comment. The US embassy in Yangon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

US journalist held in Myanmar charged with terrorism, sedition

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