On 3 March 2021, 19-year-old Ma Kyal Sin (also known as Angel) was one of 38 people that died in Myanmar when the military intervened with force during a protest in Mandalay in order to suppress protest. The United Nations special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, described this day as the “bloodiest day since the start of the coup on 1 February”.

The death of Angel, and her involvement in the anti-coup protest movement, has been extensively reported on by international media, including the New York Times, BBC News, and Reuters. Myanmar Witness has also verified her involvement with the anti-coup movement by investigating her related social media. Myanmar Witness contributes to the coverage of Angel’s death through the investigation and verification of events on the ground in the moments leading up to, and after, Angel’s death. This case forms part of a wider exploration on the killing of anti-coup protesters by the Myanmar military, with particular focus on the gendered aspect of such killings.

The widespread crackdowns on peaceful protests and increase in violence during this period signalled a shift in the military’s policy towards the pro-democracy movement. In the weeks following 3 March, hundreds were killed. This number includes 43 children.

Read Myanmar Witness’ report for more information.