'Three-Finger Salute' Myanmar Footballer Recognized as Refugee in Japan

Myanmar National Football Team Substitute Goalkeeper Pi Lian Aung
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] A Myanmar national football team player who gave the 'three-finger salute' as a symbol of resistance against the military coup during a World Cup qualifying match held in Japan has been granted refugee status in Japan.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 10th, Pi Lian Aung, who gave the three-finger salute during the national anthem at the match against Japan held in Chiba City on May 28, passed the screening by Japanese immigration authorities.

He felt threatened at the time and refused to return to Myanmar, applying for refugee status. Japanese authorities are expected to officially decide on Lian Aung's refugee status soon and notify him.

Lian Aung, the substitute goalkeeper for the Myanmar national team, was seen giving the three-finger salute on the broadcast screen, which quickly spread through social media. On June 16, before boarding a return flight at Osaka Kansai International Airport, he requested protection from the Japanese government.

The Japanese government has been applying emergency evacuation measures since late May for Myanmar nationals affected by the military coup in February, granting a 'Designated Activities' residence status that allows employment even after visa expiration and expediting refugee application reviews. Lian Aung is the first case recognized as a refugee under this measure.