Jun 18, 2021 - World

UN assembly condemns Myanmar military coup

Kierra Frazier

Protesters make the three-finger salute as they take part in a flash mob demonstration. — Protesters make the three-finger salute as they take part in a flash mob demonstration against the military coup. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

The UN General Assembly on Friday condemned Myanmar's military coup and called for an arms embargo against the country, AP reports.

Why it matters: The rare move demonstrates widespread global opposition to Myanmar's military junta, which overthrew the country's democratically elected government and seized power on Feb. 1.

The big picture: Hundreds have been killed and thousands arrested in the military's crackdown on anti-coup demonstrators.

Myanmar's deposed elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other detained officials were formally charged by the military junta last week.
Friday's nonbinding resolution calls on the military to immediately and unconditionally release President Win Myint, Suu Kyi and other officials, as well as "all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested," according to AP.
The resolution was passed with 119 countries voting "yes," Belarus voting "no," and 36 countries abstaining, per AP.

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UN assembly condemns Myanmar military coup

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