First Executions In Decades Carried Out By Myanmar's Military Government

Myanmar's military has executed four people for the first time in decades.

High-profile political activists Kyaw Min Yu and Phyo Zeya Thaw were among those executed by hanging, along with Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw.

The executions came following a series of closed-door trials, which have been condemned by human rights groups, who fear more executions could follow.

The recent executions follow over 100 deaths that have occurred since the military seized power of Myanmar in early 2021.

Currently, the country is being led by General Min Aung Hlaing, commander of the military, who declared a 'state of emergency' in the country.

Min has been condemned and sanctioned by international authorities since rising to power and, in response to the recent executions, the US National Security Council issued a statement further condemning the military's actions.

It read: "The United States condemns in the strongest terms the Burmese military regime’s heinous execution of pro-democracy activists and elected leaders.

"We call on the regime to immediately cease the violence, release those they have unjustly detained, and allow for a peaceful return to democracy in accordance with the wishes of the people of Burma."

Meanwhile, UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews said that he was 'devastated by the news' taking to Twitter to share his response to the executions.

The official wrote: "UN Member States must honour their lives by making this depraved act a turning point for the world's response to this crisis."

He went on to say that his 'heart goes out' to the family, friends, and loved ones of those executed and that 'these individuals were tried, convicted and sentenced by a military tribunal without the right of appeal and reportedly without legal counsel, in violation of international human rights law'.

The activists were sentenced to death in closed-door trials that have been largely criticised by human rights groups, including Amnesty International, who said: "The death sentences imposed on four people after grossly unfair proceedings have been approved for implementation.

"We urge the military authorities to immediately halt plans to carry out the executions, which would violate the prohibition against the arbitrary deprivation of life set out under international human rights and customary laws."

The right to a fair trial is protected by article 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998.

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