New York: The United Nations Secretariat today (IST) cited “credible reports” that indicated that at least 175 people had died while in custody since the military junta usurped power in Myanmar on February 1, 2021.
The figure also included 50 deaths in custody reported since the beginning of October alone, “and many of the bodies showed signs of mistreatment or torture”.
The United Nations Secretariat reiterated its call for the release of all detainees and for the cessation of violence on all sides.
“I can tell you that we are deeply concerned by the intensification of arbitrary arrests in Myanmar. The targeting of members of the National League for Democracy, affiliates and others promoting a return to Myanmar’s democratic path, and those exercising their most basic rights to peaceful assembly. These arbitrary arrests must stop,” Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, stated.
Also read: Speak in one voice against torture, executions in Myanmar: OHCHR
Dujarric also expressed concerns over recent attacks on National League for Democracy offices in Myamar and recalled the Security Council’s Presidential Statement of March of this year, expressing concern over arbitrary detentions of Members of Government, including the President and State Counsellor.
“We are expressing our continued concern over the intensifying crackdown and treatment of detainees by the military, including increased reports of sexual violence,” he said.
– global bihari bureau
