Woman shot during Myanmar protest dies

A woman who was shot by police in Myanmar during protests against the recent military coup has died, becoming the first casualty in this month’s demonstrations. 

Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, who was about to turn 20, was shot in the head on Feb. 9 during a protest in the capital city Naypyitaw, The Associated Press reported. 

Although the army has toughened up recently and has been arresting thousands of protesters, Khine is the first known to have died at the hands of the military. 

“Please participate and continue fighting until we achieve our goal,” said her sister Mya Thatoe Nwe. 

The army has been aggressive towards the demonstrators, putting armored vehicles on the streets while pointing guns and firing rubber bullets and slingshots into the crowds, which have been protesting ever since the military coup on Feb. 1.

The military claims they had a right to overthrow the civilian government, saying there was election fraud that wasn’t thoroughly investigated. 

Officials say Khine was throwing rocks at police before she was shot and that they will be investigating the incident, according to the AP. Khine’s funeral is set for Sunday.

There has been international condemnation of the coup, with the U.S., United Kingdom and Canada all announcing sanctions until proper leadership is restored.