EU Imposes Sanctions On 10 Officials And Two Companies Of Myanmar Military Regime

Myanmar military regime's anti-coup demonstration. (Twitter / @ David_Khaing_)

JAKARTA - The European Union has decided to impose sanctions on the Myanmar military regime, in connection with the coup against the civilian government as a result of the elections, as well as violence against anti-coup protesters.

The Association for Assistance for Political Prisoners (AAPP) noted that the death toll since the coup of the Myanmar military regime on February 1 had reached around 728, as a result of the repressive actions of the Myanmar military regime forces in dealing with protesters.

In the sanctions announced Monday, April 19, 10 individuals of the Myanmar military regime, as well as two companies controlled by the military regime, were sanctioned.

"Today's decision is a sign of the European Union's unity and determination in condemning the military junta's brutal actions, and aims to influence changes in the junta's leadership," the Council of Europe said in a statement, reported by Nikkei Asia, Monday, April 19.

The ten people are members of the State Administration Council (SAC), the name of the Myanmar military regime. Meanwhile, the two companies that have been sanctioned are Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Co. Ltd. (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corp. (MEC).

"Both companies are owned and controlled by the Myanmar armed forces [Tatmadaw], and provide income for them," the statement said.

The statement stressed that European sanctions specifically target the economic interests of the Myanmar military regime. Made in such a way as to avoid undue harm to the people of Myanmar.

"The military regime continues to commit violence and directs the country to a stalemate. That is why we are increasing pressure to bring the military to the negotiating table," said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas after virtual talks with his EU counterparts.

Before the European Union, America and Britain also imposed sanctions on individual leaders of the Myanmar military regime, as well as MEC and MEHL whose business interests include mining, food, beverage, and tourism.

In fact, the United States has also imposed sanctions on two children of the leader of the Myanmar military regime, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and their company. In addition, Washington has also imposed sanctions on Myanmar military companies.

"Once again it is clear that humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar needs to be increased. We are increasing it by 9 million euros (10.8 million US dollars). But the important thing is to stop the oppression," said Josep's top EU representative for foreign affairs and security policy. Borrell.

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.