UK imposes sanctions on Myanmar generals for human rights violations
Dominic Raab confirmed the move in the wake of the country's military coup.
The UK is imposing sanctions on Myanmar in the wake of the country’s military coup, Dominic Raab has announced.
The Foreign Secretary said measures would be imposed on three senior generals for human rights violations.
The Foreign Office has also announced new work to stop UK businesses working with Myanmar’s military and measures to ensure aid is not diverted to the junta.
Mr Raab said: ‘The UK condemns the military coup and the arbitrary detention of (previous de-facto leader) Aung San Suu Kyi and other political figures. We, alongside our international allies will hold the Myanmar military to account for their violations of human rights and pursue justice for the Myanmar people.’
It comes after the military took power from a democratically elected civilian government on February 1, and placed many of its leaders in detention.
Tensions have risen in the nation since, with public shows of defiance leading to fears of a violent crackdown on protesters.
There has been international condemnation of the coup, with Britain among those calling for Ms Suu Kyi’s release and for the military to reinstate the government.
Demonstrators returned to the streets on Thursday after a night of armed intimidation by security forces in the country’s second biggest city.
President Joe Biden’s government in America has imposed new US sanctions on Myanmar because of the coup, and the United Nations and other countries governments have called for Ms Suu Kyi’s elected government to be restored.
Opponents of the coup are also urging foreign businesses to cut their ties to Myanmar operations they believe benefit the military.
Britain’s sanctions will be imposed on defence minister General Mya Tun Oo, home affairs minister Lt General Soe Htut and deputy home affairs minister Lt General Than Hlaing.
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