On November 8, 2022, the Council of the EU adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2178 and Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2177, implementing Regulation (EU) 401/2013 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar, to impose a fifth round of sanctions upon nineteen individuals and one entity. The Council imposed sanctions to address the escalating violence and human rights violations in the aftermath of the seizure of power by the military in February 2021. The sanctions are aimed, in particular, at those who have engaged in attacks upon civilians and in torture, or who serve in roles that undermine democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar/Burma. The restrictive measures include asset freezes and travel bans. In addition, EU persons and entities are prohibited from making funds available to listed parties.
Among the designees are several high-ranking officials, including Kan Zaw, the Minister of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations: Kan Zaw has been designated for facilitating business and investments that support the military regime in Myanmar. The Council also sanctioned Htun Htun Oo, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, for his involvement in the prosecution of democratically-elected leaders and opposition figures. Other sanctioned parties are: Swe Swe Aung, Director-General of the Prosecution Department of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, for his role in judicial processes conducted in violation of the rights of defense and fair trial, and which led to the execution of four pro-democracy figures; military leaders responsible for violent acts and killings of peaceful protestors and the destruction of private property; prison leaders responsible for the mistreatment and torture of inmates, and election officials engaged in the annulment of Myanmar’s November 2020 election results. The sanctioned entity is the State Administration Council, which was sanctioned for implementing policies that undermine democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar, and for engaging in actions that threaten the peace, security and stability of the country.
Council of the EU Press Release | Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2178 | Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2177