Japan To Hear Myanmar Player's Asylum Request
Japan's top government spokesperson says the country will respond appropriately regarding a member of Myanmar's national soccer team who wishes to apply for asylum.
Pyae Lyan Aung told reporters at Kansai International Airport on Thursday morning that he intends to seek asylum. He refused to fly back to Myanmar with his teammates on Wednesday night.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu said on Thursday he is aware of the media reports, but refused to comment on immigration procedures for individuals.
He said the government will hear the wishes of the athlete and respond appropriately.
Kato noted that Japan's immigration authorities introduced emergency measures last month to allow people from Myanmar to extend their stays in Japan for up to one year. The steps were taken in response to the military crackdown in the Southeast Asian nation.
The soccer player had flashed a three-finger salute before his team's World Cup qualifier match against Japan last month.