EU condemns executions in Myanmar

BRUSSELS

The European Union on Monday condemned the execution of pro-democracy activists in Myanmar.

In a statement on behalf of the bloc, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell “strongly” condemned the execution of four pro-democracy opposition leaders.

Over the weekend, Myanmar’s military regime executed lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, prominent activist Kyaw MinYu, widely known as Ko Jimmy, as well as Aung Thura Zaw and Hla Myo Aung.

“These politically motivated executions represent yet another step towards the complete dismantling of the rule of law and a further blatant violation of human rights in Myanmar,” he said.

Borrell also said the executions – the first in Myanmar in 30 years – show that military authorities in Myanmar “have no respect for the life or dignity of the very people they are supposed to protect.”

Borrell reiterated that the EU fundamentally opposes the death penalty, calling it an “inhumane, cruel and irreversible punishment that violates the inalienable right to life.”

On Feb. 1, 2021, Myanmar's military junta seized power after allegations of fraud in the November 2020 general elections and political tension in the country.

The army arrested leaders and officials of the ruling National League for Democracy party, including the de facto leader, Aung San Suu Ky.

The junta has killed more than 2,000 people who opposed the regime, according to a local monitor Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

The UN estimates that more than 700,000 people were internally displaced in the country as of June 1, including more than 250,000 children.