Demonstrators in Myanmar protesting last month's military coup returned to the streets Thursday, undaunted by the killing of at least 38 people the previous day by security forces.

Demonstrators against Myanmar’s military takeover took to the streets again Tuesday in defiance of new rules that make their protests illegal.

Myanmar authorities should immediately release imprisoned human rights defenders and end criminal proceedings against dozens of peaceful protesters and others charged in relation to recent legitimate activities, Fortify Rights and nine human rights organizations said in a joint statement released on Monday.