Myanmar - Aung San Suu Kyi

EU adds sanctions after Suu Kyi verdict

Article published on the 2009-08-13 Latest update 2009-08-13 14:19 TU

A pro-democracy activist holding a portrait of Aung San Suu Kyi in New Delhi on 12 August 2009
(Photo: Reuters)

Following the verdict on Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar earlier this week, the EU has furthered its sanctions against the country in response to her sentence, describing the verdict as a “violation of her fundamental rights”.

As part of the extended sanctions, those involved in the judicial system responsible for the verdict will be subject to a travel ban and asset freeze. It will also cover members of the Myanmar government and their enterprises, as well as people associated with them.

Their reaction supplements previous restrictions put in place in 1996, which included an arms ban, visa restriction, freezing of offshore bank accounts and suspension of non-humanitarian aid or development assistance.

“The EU, following closely the situation in Burma/Myanmar, has since then updated, renewed and extended the restrictive measures against the military regime, those who benefit most from its misrule, and those who actively frustrate the process of national reconciliation, respect for human rights and progress towards democracy,” said the EU statement.

The measures will be reviewed in April 2010.