Myanmar coup protesters defy authorities and march

Hundreds took to the streets of Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest city, on Monday to continue to protest last month's military coup.

Large protests have occurred daily across many cities and towns since the February 1 takeover, and security forces have responded with ever greater use of lethal force and mass arrests.

At least 18 protesters were shot and killed on Feb. 28 and 38 on Mar. 3, according to the UN Human Rights Office.

More than 1,500 have been arrested, the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said.

Members of the medical profession launched the Civil Disobedience Movement, which is the nominal coordinator of the protests, frequently hailed on demonstrators’ signs by its CDM initials.

Myanmar labor unions, meanwhile, issued a joint call for a nationwide work stoppage beginning Monday, with the goal of a “full, extended shutdown of the Myanmar economy.”