Military Regime Takes Over Myanmar Embassy In London, Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn: It's Some Kind Of Coup

Embassy of Myanmar in London, United Kingdom. (Wikimedia Commons/Burma Democratic Concern)

JAKARTA - Myanmar's Ambassador to the UK Kyaw Zwar Minn says he is locked up and cannot enter the Myanmar Embassy in London, England.

According to Reuters on Thursday, April 8, Myanmar's Deputy Ambassador has taken over the building, locked it down and is in charge on behalf of the military.

Myanmar's Ambassador in London Kyaw Zwar Minn has severed ties with Myanmar's ruling military regime in recent weeks, calling for the release of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"I have been locked up," he told Reuters outside the embassy in central London.

"It's kind of a coup d'etat, in central London. You can see that they are occupying my building," he continued, adding that he was talking to the British Foreign Office about the situation.

"This is my building, I have to go inside. That's why I'm waiting here," kyaw Zwar Minn said.

Four diplomatic sources with knowledge of the matter said Deputy Ambassador Chit Win had taken over the d'affairs post. He and the military attaché have locked the ambassador out of the building.

Kyaw Zwar Minn speaks next to the embassy, where police stand guard. He spoke to protesters in the street outside.

"We are aware of a protest outside the Myanmar embassy in Mayfair, London. Public order officers were present. There were no arrests," police said in a statement.

Last month, Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn had called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and ousted President Win Myint, reaping praise for her bravery from British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab.

The UK has sanctioned members of Myanmar's military and some of its business interests after the coup, and demanded the restoration of democracy.

British officials spoke with representatives from both sides and the police, with the aim of resolving disputes at the embassy quickly and calmly.

"We are seeking more information following the incident at the Myanmar embassy in London," a British Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement.

Myanmar coup. Voi's editor continues to monitor the political situation in one of asean's member countries. Civilian casualties continue to fall. Readers can follow the news about Myanmar's military coup by tapping this link.

How dare the fascist military attaché in London coup the Embassy & locked out the Ambassador. Its time for @BorisJohnson to show muscle coz this terrorist regime doesn't understand civilised language. NOT ON OUR SOIL!!! @freya_cole @Milktea_Myanmar @benedictrogers @rushanaraali pic.twitter.com/avSvz6Juro

— Kyaw Win (@kyawwin78) 7 April 2021