Mathias Licharz, the head of mission at the German embassy in Myanmar, has found himself under scrutiny by the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs following his call for the unconditional release of ousted politicians, including former leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The controversy stems from a video Licharz posted on Facebook, which was perceived as fueling opposition to Myanmar's government and inciting internal unrest.
The incident occurred on Sunday, when Licharz stood 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, he recognized Win Myint as the legitimate president of Myanmar and urged authorities to release all arbitrarily detained individuals, including Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi.
On Tuesday, Licharz was summoned by Deputy Foreign Minister Ko Ko Kyaw who warned him against the video and handed an aide-memoire. The ministry stated that they would treat any similar conduct with utmost seriousness and take appropriate actions if it were to recur. In response, Licharz stated that his efforts to meet Win Myint had been unfruitful, implying that Win Myint is not free and unable to communicate independently.
Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar's political landscape has been turbulent, with pro-democracy rebels rising up and long-simmering ethnic minority rebellions challenging central rule boiling over. Win Myint was jailed post-coup, and although authorities claim he had been pardoned of his post-coup convictions in April, supporters and analysts argue that the charges were fabricated to oust the government.
Germany's embassy in Myanmar has yet to comment on the matter. Aung San Suu Kyi remains detained but was moved to house arrest in the capital Naypyidaw this year, with access to the 81-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate remaining tightly controlled. The military leadership behind the coup organized elections and installed a nominally civilian government this year, but analysts view it as a fig leaf for ongoing military rule. In response to Licharz's advocacy, the Foreign Ministry stated that they would have no objection if he chose to recognize Win Myint as President and discontinue his service in Myanmar.