Maher al-Assad, left, tops the EU sanctions list over regime's brutal crackdown on protests [AFP]

The European Union has announced sanctions against 13 Syrian officials it has accused of playing a role in the violent repression against anti-government demonstrations that broke out in mid-March.

Below are the individuals named on the list and the EU's allegations against them.

President Bashar al-Assad's 43-year-old brother. Prinicipal overseer of violence against demonstrators. Commander of the army's 4th Division, member of the Baath Party Central Command, strongman of the Republican Guard.

The 65-year-old head of the General Intelligence Service, a position he has held since 2005. Involved in violence against demonstrators.

Minister of interior. Involved in violence against demonstrators.

Former head of Political Security in the city of Deraa; involved in violence against demonstrators.

A 40-year-old colonel and the Head of Unit in the General Intelligence Directorate, Damascus Branch. He is close to Maher al-Assad and involved in violence against demonstrators.

Head of Political Security; involved in violence against demonstrators.

Head of Political Security in the city of Baniyas; involved in violence against demonstrators in Baida.

The 41-year-old first cousin of Bashar and Maher al-Assad and one of the most powerful businessmen in Syria. Described as an "associate" of Maher, Makhlouf bankrolls the regime, allowing violence against demonstrators.

Head of Syrian Military Intelligence; involved in the repression against the civilian population.

Head of Syrian Air Force Intelligence; involved in the repression against the civilian population.

Head of Syrian Military Intelligence - Damascus Countryside Branch; involved in the repression against the civilian population.

A leader of the Shabiha, or undercover militia; involved in the repression against the civilian population.

Took part in the repression against the civilian population as part of the Shabiha militia.