The UN said it was “horrified” by the discovery of around thirty charred bodies in Burma on December 24. This massacre of civilians is, according to NGOs, the work of soldiers.
“I call on the authorities to immediately launch a serious and transparent investigation,” said Martin Griffiths. The Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations added that he “condemned these serious facts”.
Photos and videos showing burnt bodies have been circulating for several days on social networks. The remains were found in burned-out vehicles in Hpruso township, Kayah state, north-eastern Burma. These photos are “credible”, judged Martin Griffiths.
At least 35 people were said to have been killed by the military on December 24, according to the Myanmar Witness observatory. Children are said to be among the victims.
Murders recognized by the junta
Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the junta (ie the military government), admitted that clashes had erupted in Hpruso township. He also admitted that the soldiers had killed a number of people, without giving further details.
This massacre is unfortunately not exceptional. Since the military coup in February, 1,300 civilians have been killed, according to the Association for Assistance to Political Prisoners (AAPP). The country is currently in the hands of the military, whose government is not recognized by the international community. He is regularly attacked by citizen militias. “I call on the Burmese forces and all armed groups in Burma to take all necessary measures to protect civilians,” demanded Martin Griffiths.
The military arrested former leader Aung San Suu Kyi and placed her under house arrest. Indicted for a multitude of offenses, she was sentenced to two years in prison in December. The objective of this trial was to neutralize her, according to international observers.
