YANGON: Hundreds of protesters demonstrated outside Thai Embassy in Yangon Friday after two Myanmar migrants were sentenced to death by a Thai court for murdering two British backpackers, in a verdict that has sparked anger in their homeland.

Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were found guilty on Thursday of killing David Miller, 24, and the rape and murder of Hannah Witheridge, 23, whose battered bodies were found on a beach on the southern Thai diving resort of Koh Tao in September last year.

The grim killings have sullied Thailand’s reputation as a tourist haven and raised questions over its justice system after the defense accused the police of bungling their investigation and using the men as scapegoats — a charge authorities deny.

Hundreds of people, including monks, gathered in Yangon to protest at the verdict, many saying they believed the two men had been wrongly convicted.

“This is just discrimination against us,” demonstrator Min Thein Khaing told AFP.

“There was little evidence, no witnesses and not much DNA evidence but still they got a death sentence. It’s unfair.”

Many held signs with English slogans such as “Save Myanmar Poor Boys” and “Free Our Innocent Citizens.” Others held aloft pictures of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, saying they were appealing to him for clemency.

A police cordon stopped protesters demonstrating opposite the embassy itself, confining them to the end of the street instead.

The rally came as Myanmar’s envoy in Thailand met with senior government officials.

“After hearing the verdict, as a human being I felt regret but it’s a judicial matter that still has to proceed,” ambassador Win Maung told reporters through a translator. “I hope this case will receive special care and won’t affect bilateral ties.”

Other Myanmar officials have said they intend to support the two men’s appeals.

“The judicial process is not over yet, we have much to do such as discussing with respective persons from Thailand and appealing to the High Court,” Hmuu Zaw, manager of the President’s Office, posted on Facebook.