“As of 4 April, 564 people are now confirmed killed by this junta coup. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) compiled and documented 7 fallen heroes today. 2 died on 4 April. 5 were killed on previous days and documented today. This is the number verified by AAPP, the actual number of fatalities is likely much higher as the death toll continues to rise. We will continue adding as and when,” said the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), an independent non-profit organization founded by Burmese former political prisoners living in exile.

“Anti-coup protests by people in Burma took the form of an ‘Easter Egg Strike’ in support of democracy. In Pyinmana town, a man was reportedly killed. In Bhamaw town, Kachin State, battalion 77 raided the residential ward and opened fire, hitting a community guard in his chest and leg, who later died of wounds. His body was taken away by the military and so-called police. More than six people were injured and ten community guards were beaten and arrested. In Kayah State, the MineLone strike was violently cracked-down onto the streets, thus more than five people were arrested and many injured by rubber bullets,” it added.

A coup d'état began in Myanmar on the morning of 1 February when democratically elected members of Myanmar's ruling party, the National League for Democracy, were deposed by the Tatmadaw—Myanmar's military—which vested power in a stratocracy.

The Tatmadaw proclaimed a year-long state of emergency and declared power had been vested in Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing. It declared the results of the November 2020 general election invalid and stated its intent to hold a new election at the end of the state of emergency.

The coup d'état occurred the day before the Parliament of Myanmar was due to swear in the members elected at the 2020 election, thereby preventing this from occurring.

President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi were detained, along with ministers, their deputies, and members of Parliament.

Civil resistance efforts have emerged within the country, in opposition to the coup, in numerous forms, including acts of civil disobedience, labor strikes, a military boycott campaign, a pot-banging movement, a red ribbon campaign, public protests, and formal recognition of the election results by elected representatives. (ILKHA)