As demanded by the S&D Group and the European Parliament, the European Council has today imposed sanctions on the leaders of the undemocratic military coup in Myanmar. Socialist and Democrat MEPs reaffirm their support for a return to democracy in the South-East Asian country and demand the immediate release of all political prisoners.

Marianne Vind MEP, S&D spokesperson on South-East Asia, said:

"The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament stand with the people of Myanmar. The experience of ten years of democracy has taken hold of the people, who will not let the military junta turn the clock back a decade. Hundreds of thousands are now protesting and striking across the country, despite the scare tactics, violent crackdowns and arrests. We call for the immediate release of all political prisoners.

"We are happy to see that the European Council has taken steps to punish those who are working to obstruct democracy and freedom in Myanmar. We fully support the sanctions against the eleven individuals in charge of the military coup last month and are especially pleased that the EU has taken action against the highest ranks of the Tatmadaw, including the Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing. The situation changes day by day and it is absolutely vital that the EU continues to monitor the situation and identify further targeted sanctions against military interests if necessary."