Former Myanmar ambassador to the United Kingdom, Kyaw Zwar Minn, has appeared before a London court over allegations that he unlawfully remained at the ambassador’s official residence after being dismissed following the country’s 2021 military coup.
Kyaw Zwar Minn strongly opposed the military takeover in February 2021 and declared his support for Myanmar’s opposition movement. He was subsequently removed as ambassador and locked out of the Myanmar Embassy in London but continued living at Myanmar House, the ambassador’s official residence.
The 68-year-old argues that the military government that removed him was illegitimate and therefore had no legal authority to order him to leave the property.
At Westminster Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Louise Oakley said Kyaw Zwar Minn had been formally recalled as ambassador after the coup and had been instructed to hand over state-owned properties. She also said the UK Foreign Office had asked him to vacate the residence.
His lawyer, David Perry, argued that his client did not recognize the military government as legitimate and maintained that it could not lawfully terminate his right to occupy the diplomatic residence.
The prosecution countered that Kyaw Zwar Minn’s political position was irrelevant because the UK does not recognize Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government as the country’s official government.
The case has created a diplomatic dilemma for the British government. While some British officials initially praised Kyaw Zwar Minn for opposing the military coup, his continued occupation of Myanmar House has complicated relations between London and Myanmar.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provides that an ambassador’s appointment ends when the host country is formally notified of a change. However, recognizing his dismissal could potentially be viewed as Britain accepting the authority of Myanmar’s military-backed authorities.
The trial is expected to resume at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 25, 2026.
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