Security forces killed at least 22 anti coup protesters in a poor industrial suburb of Myanmar's main city after Chinese financed factories were set ablaze there, according to a human rights group, which also said 16 more protesters were killed in other places, as was one policeman.

The Chinese Embassy said many Chinese staff were injured and trapped in arson attacks by unidentified assailants on garment factories, and said that it had called on Myanmar to protect Chinese property and citizens.

China is viewed as being supportive of the military junta that has taken power.

As plumes of smoke rose from the industrial area, security forces opened fire on protesters in the suburb that is home to migrants from across the country, local media said.

Martial law was imposed there and in the district of Yangon, Myanmar's commercial hub and former capital, state media announced.

Hunt, a spokesman, did not answer calls requesting comment.

The latest deaths would bring the toll from the protests to 126 according to the human rights group.

The army said it took power after its accusations of fraud in the November 8th election won by Sushi's party were rejected by the electoral commission.

It has promised to hold a new election but has not set a date.

Sushi has been detained since the coup and is due to return to court on Monday.

She faces at least four charges, including illegal use of walkie talkie radios and infringing coronavirus protocols.