Truss calls for end to Myanmar violence on anniversary of elections

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has called for an end to violence and detainment of political prisoners in Myanmar on the anniversary of its last democratic elections.

The country’s military coup this February followed elections last November which Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party won overwhelmingly.

As of April 2021, at least 707 civilians, including children, had been killed by military or police forces and at least 3,070 people were detained.

Ms Truss said today: “Elections in Myanmar one year ago were a clear demonstration of the Myanmar people’s long standing desire for democracy. The military’s allegations of electoral fraud are entirely unsubstantiated and we reiterate our condemnation of the military coup. The military must end the violence, release political prisoners and engage in dialogue to enable a return to democracy.”