Residents say Myanmar soldiers killed 17 people in 2 villages
PBS NewsHourDec 23, 2022
Report: At Least 22 Killed in Alleged Massacre at Myanmar Monastery
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Image copyright: KNDF [via The Straits Times]
The Facts
According to a doctor's post-mortem report, at least 22 people, including three monks, were killed at a Buddhist monastery in Myanmar's southern Shan state on Saturday as local insurgent groups and Mynammar's junta accused each other of carrying out a massacre of civilians.
The post-mortem report by Dr. Ye Zaw, who is part of the National Unity Government — an exiled civil administration formed since the 2021 coup — said automatic weapons were likely used at close range, and the victims were civilians since "there were no military uniforms, equipment, and ammunition found on the rest of the bodies."
The Spin
Narrative A
The international community must remain firm against Myanmar's illegal and illegitimate military rule, imposing further coordinated sanctions on the junta and supporting the pro-democracy shadow National Unity Government. As long as the nationwide human rights, humanitarian, and economic crises from the coup remain and the junta continues to legitimize its indiscriminate violence against civilians, a peaceful and democratic transition is impossible.
Narrative B
Due to its commitment to restoring perpetual peace and stability in Myanmar, the junta has no option other than to use lethal force to fight armed insurgents and terrorists trying to seize power. Exactly what happened on Saturday morning remains unclear as there are no eyewitnesses, which is why accusing Myanmar's military of committing crimes against humanity is unacceptable.
