'Day of shame' as over 90 killed in Myanmar

Myanmar's security forces shot and killed more than 90 protesters on Saturday (March 27), according to witnesses and news reports.

That's as the country's junta leader said the military would protect people and strive for democracy.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was speaking as Myanmar's generals celebrated Armed Forces Day.

It was also a day when, according to local media, a boy as young as five was among those shot dead.

Dr Sasa, spokesman for anti-junta group CRPH, called it a "day of shame for the armed forces".

On Friday (March 26), state media has warned that protesters risked being "shot to the head and back", without specifically say the army had been given shoot-to-kill orders.

Nevertheless, protesters against the February 1 coup defied the threat and came out on the streets.

The five-year-old boy was reportedly among 29 killed in Myanmar's second city Mandalay.

The Myanmar Now news portal said a91 had been killed across the country in one of the bloodiest days of protests since the military coup.

Back at the parade in Myanmar's capital Naypidaw, and Min Aung Hlaing was reiterating a promise to hold elections - without giving a time frame.

Russia's deputy foreign minister was the only foreign diplomat evident at an event normally attended by scores of international officials.

Min Aung Hlaign called Russia a "true friend".

This week has seen the U.S. and Europe impose new sanctions but support from Russia, and China, has been important to the junta.

As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council they can block potential U.N. actions.