Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Mathias Licharz, the head of mission at the German embassy, following a video he posted on Facebook regarding detained political figures. The ministry characterized the diplomat’s message as an attempt to incite opposition to the government and stir internal unrest.
Licharz recorded the video on Sunday outside the former Yangon residence of Win Myint, the figurehead president under Aung San Suu Kyi’s government before the 2021 military coup. In the footage, the German diplomat called for authorities to “unconditionally release all those who are arbitrarily detained,” specifically naming Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi. He also noted that the United Nations continues to regard Win Myint as Myanmar’s legitimate president.
During his meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Ko Ko Kyaw, Licharz was formally warned against the video and presented with an aide-memoire. The ministry statement indicated that any repeated conduct of this nature would be treated with “utmost seriousness” and result in appropriate actions. The statement further suggested that should Licharz continue to recognize Win Myint as president, the ministry would not object to his departure from Myanmar.
Win Myint was imprisoned following the February 2021 coup that ended Myanmar’s decade of democratic governance. Although authorities announced in April that he had been pardoned of post-coup convictions, Licharz suggested in his video that Win Myint remains effectively restricted, unable to meet with chosen individuals or communicate independently. Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, remains in custody but was transferred to house arrest in Naypyidaw this year with tightly controlled access. The military has since organized elections and installed a nominally civilian government, though analysts characterize this as a continuation of military control.
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