Rejecting Junta Rule, Myanmar Diplomat in Germany Fired and Deprived of Citizenship

BERLIN – Chaw Kalyar said he used to be in charge of taking care of Myanmar citizens German , especially those whose citizenship was stripped by the former military authorities. However, he was currently facing the same predicament.

Chaw is one of three diplomats Myanmar who served in Germany, who was fired and deprived of citizenship, for opposing the junta government.

It all started on March 4, in which he and two other diplomats at the Myanmar Embassy in Berlin became involved in a protest movement and posted on Facebook messages of support to protesters.

Less than a week later, Chaw said, he and two of his friends received letters telling them they had been fired and their passports withdrawn. Also read: DPR Encourages the Effectiveness of Asean Summit for Myanmar Solutions

“When we posted our announcement on Facebook, we knew what the consequences would be,” Chaw said, as reported by Channel News Asia on Sunday (11/4/2021).

“We can’t go home or get out of Germany because they canceled our passports. We have to stay here but that’s okay compared to people in Myanmar whose lives are at stake all the time,” he continued.

The man, who holds the rank of third secretary, said the junta’s influence was huge at the Myanmar Embassy in Berlin. This is because the Myanmar Embassy in Berlin is the only Myanmar embassy with a military attaché.

“As the only embassy with a military attaché in Europe, we feel their influence growing: Now they are coming to the embassy more often and giving propaganda notes about the situation in Myanmar,” he said.

Chaw admitted that his decision to join forces against the junta and support the demonstrators was triggered by the action of Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Ambassador to the United Nations. Also read: Myanmar military denies carrying out a coup

Kyaw Moe urged the military to restore civilian rule in a speech to the UN General Assembly. He was immediately fired by the junta and charged with high treason.

“I was very touched (by) his step. He is a leader for us and we can do that too,” said Chaw.

(esn)

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