Over 300 people killed by security forces since Myanmar coup

(REUTERS): Security forces in Myanmar have killed more than 300 people in attempts to crush opposition to a military coup, according to data from an advocacy group and local media.

According to non-profit Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) group, over 300 people were killed since the military coup, with nearly 90% of victims shot dead and a quarter of them shot in the head.

Meanwhile, a junta spokesman said 164 protesters and nine members of the security forces had been killed as of Tuesday. The group had recorded 320 deaths by March 25. Nearly 90% of the dead were male. Some 36% were aged 24 or under.

The youngest victim, seven-year-old Khin Myo Chit, was shot dead in the second city of Mandalay on Tuesday. She was at her home with her father when she was killed. Win Kyi, 78, is the oldest person recorded to have been killed.

“Crimes against humanity are committed daily,” said the non-profit AAPP group, adding that nearly 3,000 people arrested, charged or sentenced since the coup. The killings have drawn outrage and prompted some sanctions from Western countries, including the United States and Britain.

In Washington, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting Myanma Economic Holdings Public Company Limited and Myanmar Economic Corporation Limited.

Washington’s move freezes any assets held by them in the United States. It also prohibits U.S. companies or citizens from trading or conducting financial transactions with those listed.

In a move coordinated with the United States, former colonial power Britain said it would target Myanma Economic Holdings, citing human rights violations against civilians and its association with senior military figures.