Key facts
- Myanmar's former ambassador to the UK, Kyaw Zwar Minn, is on trial in London for trespassing.
- Minn refuses to leave the ambassador's residence after being sacked for opposing the 2021 military coup.
- He claims the current Myanmar government is illegitimate and cannot revoke his right to occupy the property.
- Prosecutors argue his diplomatic license was terminated and his personal views are irrelevant to the charge.
- The trial is taking place at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Kyaw Zwar Minn, Myanmar's former ambassador to the United Kingdom, is facing trial in a London court on charges of trespassing at the diplomatic residence he occupies. Minn was sacked following his opposition to Myanmar's military coup five years ago and has since refused to vacate the ambassador's residence in northwest London.
Minn, 68, argues that the current Myanmar government, led by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, is illegitimate and therefore lacks the authority to demand he leave the property. He maintains that his diplomatic license to occupy the address could not be lawfully terminated by the military authorities.
Prosecutors, however, contend that Minn's role as ambassador was properly terminated by Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that his personal views on the legitimacy of the government do not constitute a legal defense. They stated that his permission to reside at Myanmar House as ambassador had been lawfully revoked, making his continued presence an act of diplomatic trespass.
The trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court is ongoing.