EU imposes new sanctions on Myanmar’s junta

BRUSSELS

The European Union on Monday imposed new sanctions on the military junta in Myanmar over its February coup and the subsequent brutal crackdown on protests.

The EU foreign ministers decided to add 10 individuals and two military-controlled companies to the bloc’s sanctions list, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters after the ministers’ virtual meeting.

“It is important to stop the repression,” he said, summing up the ministers’ decision, which was officially taken by a written procedure and not by videoconference according to the rules.

The new restrictive measures “specifically target the economic interests of Myanmar’s military regime, which is responsible for the overthrow of Burma’s democratically elected government,” a press statement on the decision explained, using another name for Myanmar.

“Sanctions are crafted in such a way to avoid undue harm to the people of Myanmar,” the document added.

The new measures bring the total of Myanmar individuals blacklisted by the EU to 35 people who face a travel ban and asset freeze for undermining democracy in Myanmar and violating human rights.

The decision also bans EU operators from making funds available for the concerned members of the military junta, as well as two large company conglomerates that produce revenue for the military.

The measures complement the previously announced embargo on arms and military equipment, as well as communications technology and other goods.

The military junta seized power on Feb. 1, detaining de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and senior members of the then-ruling National League for Democracy party.

The military used brutal methods to crack down on mass protests against the coup across the country.

According to the latest reports by the human rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, the regime has killed at least 737 people, detained 3,229, and sentenced 75 others.