Myanmar Summons German Envoy Over Diplomat's Video Criticizing Detentions

Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Mathias Licharz, the head of mission at the German embassy in the country, following his appearance in a Facebook video. In the video, Licharz called for the "unconditionally release" of ousted politicians, including former leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The ministry stated on Tuesday that Licharz's video "appeared to fuel opposition to the host country and its Government, thereby inciting internal unrest." Licharz met with Deputy Foreign Minister Ko Ko Kyaw, where he was "warned against the video" and received an aide-memoire. The Deputy Minister issued a strong warning against any recurrence of such actions, indicating that similar conduct would be treated with utmost seriousness and would result in appropriate actions.

Licharz posted the video on Sunday, standing outside the former Yangon residence of Win Myint, the figurehead president of Aung San Suu Kyi's government that was removed in a 2021 coup. In his message, which marked Win Myint's 75th birthday, the German diplomat noted that the United Nations still regards him as the "legitimate president" of Myanmar. He further urged authorities to "unconditionally release all those who are arbitrarily detained, including Win Myint and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi."

Germany's embassy in Myanmar has not yet provided an immediate comment.

Win Myint's Downfall: Win Myint was imprisoned following the February 2021 military coup, which ended Myanmar's decade-long democratic transition. Since then, pro-democracy rebels have emerged, and long-standing ethnic minority rebellions challenging central rule have intensified.

Authorities announced in April that Win Myint had been pardoned of his post-coup convictions, charges that supporters and analysts claim were fabricated to remove the government. However, Licharz stated in his video message that his attempts to meet Win Myint had been unsuccessful. "There is only one conclusion," he said. "U Wint Myint is not a free man. He’s not allowed to meet with whom he would like to meet, and he’s not allowed to communicate independently," he added.

The military leadership responsible for the coup organized elections, establishing a nominally civilian government this year, though analysts view it as a facade for continued military control. The Foreign Ministry statement on Tuesday also indicated, "Should the Charge d’Affaires choose to recognize U Win Myint as President and wish to discontinue his service in Myanmar, the Ministry would have no objection."

Aung San Suu Kyi remains detained. Authorities report she was moved to house arrest in the capital Naypyidaw this year, where access to the 81-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate continues to be tightly controlled.