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The Council of the European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on 11 people responsible for the February 1 military coup in Myanmar and the subsequent military and police crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy protesters.
The restrictive measures, which are an application of the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, comprise a travel ban that prevents targets from entering or transiting EU territory, as well as an asset freeze that covers funds. or economic resources in the EU of the persons listed. Furthermore, the measures also prohibit EU citizens and entities from making funds available to listed individuals and entities.
The measures specifically target people belonging to the highest ranks of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), including the Commander-in-Chief of the Tatmadaw, Min Aung Hlaing, and the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Soe Win. Also included on the list is the new chairman of the Union Election Commission, Thein Soe, who was added for his role in canceling the results of the 2020 elections in Myanmar.
The new sanctions are in addition to previously existing measures that included an arms embargo on the Tatmadaw, as well as bans on the export of dual-use items for use by the military police and border guards, restrictions on the export of equipment for monitor communications that could be used for internal use repression and prohibition of military training and military cooperation with the Tatmadaw.
The new measures are in line with the February Council’s conclusions, where it had threatened sanctions unless the Myanmar Armed Forces agreed to renounce its actions. More specifically, in its conclusions, the EU Council stated that:
The European Union calls on the military authorities, and in particular the Commander-in-Chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, to immediately and unconditionally release President U Win Myint, State Councilor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all those who have been detained or arrested in connection with the coup. Unhindered telecommunications must be guaranteed; Freedom of expression, association and assembly, and access to information are guaranteed, and the rule of law and human rights are respected.
The EU Council move is the latest condemnation of the military coup, following the recent approval by the US House of Representatives of a resolution condemning Myanmar’s military junta.
For more information on the JURISTA’s coverage of the Myanmar coup, see our section on Dispatches to Myanmar.
