Myanmar police kick and punch kneeling medics as frontline workers targeted by junta

Myanmar nationals holding candles and photos of Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi 

Credit: DIEGO AZUBEL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

More than 50 civilians, mostly peaceful protesters, are confirmed to have been killed by police and soldiers since the coup.

Four children are among the latest fatalities, according to Save the Children, but despite the risks, protesters against military rule took to streets again on Thursday to oppose military rule and demand the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian leaders. 

The formal health system has been impacted by the Civil Disobedience Movement, spearheaded by medics who are refusing to work for the junta. 

Instead, healthcare providers are now offering services voluntarily outside of government facilities, but as a result, medics are facing increasing risk from the security forces, especially as they offer first aid to protesters. 

Along with the risk of accidental injury as police officers and soldiers use live ammunition against the protesters, medical personnel have been increasingly targeted for doing their jobs, accused by the regime of supporting the protests. 

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister condemned the violence on Thursday. "I’m horrified by the escalation of violence in Myanmar and the killing of pro-democracy protesters," he said. 

"We stand with the people of Myanmar in calling for an immediate end to military repression, the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and others, and the restoration of democracy."