G7 calls on Myanmar to refrain from more ‘arbitrary executions’

The group was the latest to condemn the execution for pro-democracy activists by Myanmar’s generals. “These executions, the first in Myanmar in over thirty years, and the absence of fair trials show the junta’s contempt for the unwavering democratic aspirations of the people of Myanmar,” a joint statement by G7 foreign ministers, released by the British government, said. “We continue to condemn in the strongest terms the military coup in Myanmar and express deep concern about the political, economic, social, humanitarian and human rights situation in the country.” Myanmar was plunged into crisis when army chief Min Aung Hlaing led a coup against Myanmar’s elected government in February 2021, detaining civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and launching a violent crackdown as protests spread across the Southeast Asian country. Myanmar’s military leaders have claimed the executions were “justice for the people”, while rights observers say the men were denied fair trials after being convicted of trumped-up “terrorism” charges. Myanmar’s National Unity Government, which was established after the military’s power grab by former legislators from Aung San Suu Kyi’s party and others opposed to the coup, welcomed the statement, calling on the council to “take concrete actions against the junta”.