Death Toll Continues To Increase, 11 Top Myanmar Military Officials Are Sanctioned By The EU

Myanmar military meeting. (Source: seniorgeneralminaunghlaing.com.mm)

JAKARTA - The European Union has officially imposed sanctions on 11 people involved in the Myanmar military coup. This decision was taken at a meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Monday 22 March

The European Union agreed to impose a travel ban and asset freeze sanctions. Previously, the European Union had implemented an arms embargo against Myanmar. They also maintain sanctions against a number of senior military officers that were imposed in 2018.

"We will take sanctions against 11 people who were involved in the coup and the suppression of the demonstrators," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the repression of military anti-coup protesters had reached an unbearable level.

In his opinion, EU sanctions against Myanmar will target people responsible for violence on the streets and are not meant to punish the people.

"The number of murders has reached an unbearable level, which is why we will not be able to evade sanctions," said Maas.

"We do not intend to punish the Myanmar people but those who blatantly violate human rights," he added.

Among the affected individuals are Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's top military commander, and Myint Swe, who has served as president since the coup.

The EU diplomat said it was likely to strengthen these sanctions by barring EU investors and banks from doing business with parts of the military business conglomerate Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC).

Conglomerates range from mining and manufacturing to food and beverage, hotels, telecommunications, and banking. They are among the largest taxpayers in Myanmar and seek partnerships with foreign companies during Myanmar's democratic liberalization.

Launching The Irrawaddy, until Monday, March 21 yesterday, the death toll of the Myanmar military anti-coup demonstration had reached 254.

Myanmar Coup. The VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in that one of the ASEAN member countries. Casualties from civilians continue to fall. Readers can follow the news covering the Myanmar military coup by clicking this link.