Myanmar coup: Junta detains former UK ambassador, spouse

The military government of Myanmar arrested and detained former UK ambassador Vicky Bowman and her husband this week. Authorities cited that Bowman and her husband allegedly broke immigration law.

The junta arrested Bowman and her husband Htein Lin in Yangon Wednesday, citing alleged violations of immigration law. The junta later confirmed the arrest of Bowman and Lin, saying that Bowman is under investigation for failing to declare that she was living at an address that was different from the one that was listed on her foreigner’s registration certificate.

Lin is being investigated for helping his wife reside at an address that was different from their registered home in Yangon. Violation of immigration law in Myanmar has a maximum prison sentence of five years.

A spokesperson for the British embassy in Myanmar said they were concerned over the arrest of a British national, without mentioning Bowman by name. The spokesperson said they were coordinating with the authorities and providing consular assistance.

Tony Cheng of Al Jazeera said that there were people with close ties to Bowman who sought to keep the news of her detention secret.

“There were strong attempts made to try and clear this up quickly. There was a belief, I think initially, that this might have been a misunderstanding. But the fact that this news has been released, I think, is an indication that she is going to face serious charges,” said Cheng, adding that it remains to be seen where Bowman is being detained, but it is assumed that Bowman is being detained at Insein Prison.

Myanmar has been under civil and political unrest since its generals seized power and ousted its elected government in February last year. The coup led to widespread protests, which the military brutally cracked down, killing hundreds and detaining thousands.

Bowman’s detainment by the junta also comes as the UK Thursday announced new sanctions on Myanmar, targeting businesses linked to the junta. The sanctions were in support of the Rohingya community and aimed to prevent Myanmar’s military from gaining access to arms and revenue.

“We continue to stand in solidarity with the Rohingya people and condemn Myanmar Armed Forces’ horrific campaign of ethnic cleansing,” said British minister for Asia Amanda Milling in a statement.