Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - Myanmar's governing military defended the planned executions of two major democratic figures on Thur...
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| Image: Reuters |
Berita 24 English - Myanmar's governing military defended the planned executions of two major democratic figures on Thursday, despite worldwide condemnation for reinstating death punishment after a three-decade break.
The UN, France, the US, and international human rights organisations have asked the junta not to carry out the executions of activist Kyaw Min Yu and former lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, who both lost their appeals against terrorism convictions.
They were found guilty of supplying weapons to rebel groups and assisting in the planning of attacks on state targets. It's unclear when they'll be executed or how they'll plead in their trials, which have generally been held in secret in Myanmar.
Many countries, according to military spokesman Zaw Min Tun, use the death penalty.
"At least 50 civilians, excluding security personnel, were killed as a result of them. How can you say that this isn't fair?, "In a televised news conference, Zaw Min Tun stated.
"Required actions must be completed at the appropriate times."
Myanmar has been in chaos since a coup in early this year, which ended a decade of shaky democracy after five decades of military control.
The military has ignored international condemnation of the executions, which UN experts say were carried out without due process last week.
"These death sentences, imposed by an illegitimate court of an illegitimate regime, are a disgusting attempt to inspire fear among Myanmar's people," the experts added.
