Myanmar defends executions as 'justice for the people' as condemnation grows

FILE PHOTO: A combination image shows Kyaw Min Yu, also known as Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zeyar Thaw, two of the four democracy activists executed by Myanmar's military authorities, accused of helping carry out "terror acts," state media, in the undated screen grabs taken from a handout video. MRTV/Handout via REUTERS

(Reuters) -Myanmar's ruling military on Tuesday defended its execution of four democracy activists as "justice for the people", brushing off a deluge of international condemnation including from its closest neighbours.

The military, which seized power in a coup last year, announced on Monday it had executed the activists for aiding "terror acts" by a civilian resistance movement, Myanmar's first executions in decades.