YANGON — The United Kingdom has announced further sanctions against six of Myanmar’s military coup leaders, including Senior General Min Aung Haling, for “serious human rights violations” since the Feb. 1 coup.
The five other military figures are members of the State Administration Council (SAC), secretary Lt Gen Aung Lin Dwe, joint secretary Lt Gen Ye Win Oo and members Gen Tin Aung San
Gen Maung Maung Kyaw and Lt Gen Moe Myint Tun.
By Thursday, at least six anti-regime protesters had been killed by the security forces since the coup. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, 728 people have been detained or face arrest warrants with 666 still being held or in hiding.
Britain said the measures would stop the generals traveling to the UK and will prevent UK-based business dealings. London said it will temporarily suspend the promotion of trade with Myanmar.
The former colonial power said its Department for International Trade will work to ensure UK companies in Myanmar are not trading with military-owned businesses while protecting the important role that trade plays in poverty reduction and economic development.
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the additional measures send a clear message to the military regime that those responsible for human rights violations will be held accountable.
Raab said the authorities must hand back control to the National League for Democracy, which won the November general election.
Britain has promised to work closely internationally to support democracy and freedom of expression in Myanmar.
Last week, the UK imposed sanctions on defense minister Gen Mya Tun O, home affairs minister Lt Gen Soe Htut and his deputy, Lt Gen Than Hlaing, for their role in serious rights violations following the coup.
Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Justice For Myanmar (JFM), have called on countries to impose sanctions on SAC members, their families and associated businesses.
JFM recently published a list of military-linked businesses to support international efforts to respond to human rights violations, which included companies owned by the son and daughter of coup leader Min Aung Hlaing.
On Thursday, 137 civil society organizations called on the United Nations Security Council and UN member states to impose an arms embargo on Myanmar in response to the coup and to deter the junta from committing further abuses.
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