US imposes sanctions on Myanmar companies as violence against protesters continues News
hanodedfonts / Pixabay
US imposes sanctions on Myanmar companies as violence against protesters continues

The US Department of the Treasury sanctioned the two adult children of commander-in-chief of the Myanmar military, Min Aung Hlaing, on Wednesday in response to the continued violence by military forces against protesters.

In a press release, the Treasury Department labeled Min Aung Hlang as the leader of the military coup against Myanmar’s democratically elected government, saying:

The United States stands in solidarity with the people of Burma, and we remain committed to promoting accountability for those responsible for the coup and ongoing violence. The United States urges the immediate release of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, as well as all others unjustly detained since February 1, including members of civil society, journalists, and human rights activists.

These sanctions come after over a month of violence and chaos in Myanmar, triggered by the military coup d’état on February 1. So far, approximately 1,700 people have been detained and at least 53 have been killed during protests for a return to democratic governance. The Treasury Department’s sanctions focus on six companies owned by Hlaing’s two children, Aung Pyae Sone and Khin Thiri Thet Mon: A & M Mahar Company Limited, Sky One Construction Company Limited, The Yangon Restaurant, The Yangon Gallery, Everfit Company Limited, and Seventh Sense Company Limited.

In condemnation of the actions taken by Myanmar’s military, Director of Foreign Assets Control Andrea Gacki said, “The indiscriminate violence by Burma’s security forces against peaceful protesters is unacceptable. … The United States will continue to work with our international partners to press the Burmese military and police to cease all violence against peaceful protestors and to restore democracy and the rule of law in Burma.”

Although the sanctions will impose restrictions upon the companies owned in whole or in part by Hlaing’s two children, the sanctions did not go so far as to restrict military conglomerates Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited. Advocate groups like Human Rights Watch say that the sanctions put in place by the Treasury Department are another step in the right direction but do not go far enough.

For continued coverage of the situation in Myanmar, follow JURIST’s exclusive coverage from our student reporters on the ground in Myanmar here.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.