Security forces in Myanmar shot dead an anti-coup protester on Sunday, as the Australian government confirmed it is assisting two nationals who were detained after trying to leave Yangon.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since soldiers ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi last month, triggering nationwide protests demanding a return to democracy.
Security forces have responded with lethal force, using live rounds along with tear gas and rubber bullets in an effort to bring the demonstrations to heel.
One man was killed on Sunday in the central city of Monywa and at least two people were injured in a clash with security forces at barricades, two witnesses told AFP.
“I saw people carrying a man who was shot and killed,” a local resident told AFP, adding the body was taken to a local hospital.
“They used stun grenades and tear gas… later they started shooting. I don’t know if the man, who died on the spot after he was hit on his head, was killed from rubber bullets or live rounds.”
Australia’s foreign ministry confirmed on Sunday it was providing consular assistance to two of its nationals in Myanmar.
