Myanmar protesters hold more rallies, World Bank warns of slump

This photo taken and received from an anonymous source via Facebook on March 26, 2021 shows residents applauding protesters wearing protective gear during a demonstration against the military coup in Mandalay. - FB/AFP

YANGON (Reuters): Myanmar anti-junta protesters held more rallies on Friday (March 26) after the military reportedly shot dead nine people a day earlier and as the World Bank warned the country's economy could slump 10% this year due to the turmoil since last month's coup.

In a bid to increase pressure on the junta over the Feb. 1 coup, the United States and Britain imposed sanctions on conglomerates controlled by the military, with Washington calling it a response to the military's "brutal repression".