The Myanmar junta has defended its planned execution of death row inmates including two prominent democracy activists saying it is lawful and required, defying international criticism for resuming capital punishment after a three-decade hiatus, Reuters reports.

The United Nations, France, the United States and international human rights groups have called on the junta not to follow through with the execution of activist Kyaw Min Yu, AKA Ko Jimmy, and former lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, who lost appeals against a terrorism conviction.

Military spokesman Zaw Min Tun said Thursday that there were many countries using the death penalty, Reuters reports.

'At least 50 innocent civilian, excluding security forces, died because of them. How can you say this is not justice?,' Zaw Min Tun told a televised news conference. 'Required actions are needed to be done in the required moments.'