The management of Myanmar Plaza in Yangon have released a statement that they had given no prior instruction to their security guards to conduct violent attacks on protesters in their shopping mall compound.

“The actions of some security guards against protesters were unacceptable and we make an apology to those who were attacked and the public. It is also sure that the management had no prior instructions for such violent actions which are contrary to the norms and values of employees and business partners of Myanmar Plaza,” said the management statement.

It also said that the responsible security guards in the incident have been dismissed from their jobs after a detailed investigation.

The public cried foul and boycotted Myanmar Plaza after a video went viral online allegedly showing security guards conducting violent attacks on young protesters in the shopping mall on 25 November. The protestors were calling for a boycott of junta-run bus services in Yangon, making their protest in a busy shopping complex.

Although its management released a statement to seek pardon for the incident, people have continued to boycott the shopping complex and almost all the stalls in the mall suspended their business. Junta soldiers and police were seen taking the positions for security of the facility.

The statement of Myanmar Plaza included “We acknowledge the will of the Myanmar people for democracy, and will seriously avoid such incidents in the future.”

The mall is owned by the Vietnamese company Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) Group. Shopping malls in Myanmar’s commercial city have been struggling to bring back business after COVID-19 lockdown and social distancing restrictions. November and December are typically busy months in the run-up to Christmas and New Year.