Two witnesses claim that Myanmar security forces drove into an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on Sunday. At least six protesters were arrested.

The ongoing anti-military demonstrations against the coup are not being stopped despite more than 1,300 deaths since February 1. Small groups often protest in scattered areas against the removal of the elected government headed by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, and for the return to military rule.

A “flash mob”, a protest organized in Yangon (the largest city of Myanmar), was rammed just minutes after the event began. Witnesses reported that several individuals were taken into police custody by Reuters.

I was hit by a soldier and fell in front of a truck. Although a soldier beat me with a rifle, I was able to defend myself and push him back. As I fled, he shot immediately at me. “Fortunately I escaped,” a protester, who requested not to be identified because of security concerns, told Reuters by telephone.

According to two witnesses, a civil car that was occupied and defended by soldiers struck the crowd at the back. It then followed scattered protestors, beating and arresting them. According to witnesses, some were left with severe head injuries and others became unconscious.

The ruling junta’s spokesperson did not respond to calls for comment Sunday.

According to the military, protesters were responsible for inciting violence. The military claims it orchestrated the coup after Suu Kyi’s victory in November elections was rigged. This assertion was refuted by the election commission.

According to United Nations estimates, conflicts with insurgents from ethnic minorities in frontier areas in the east and north have increased significantly since the coup. This has resulted in the displacement of tens or thousands of civilians.

Suu Kyi is 76 and faces several cases including violating COVID-19 protocols and incitement.

To date, she has denied all charges.