Myanmar Detention: Aung San Suu Kyi Tells Son She Has 18 Years Remaining
Kim Aris spoke with his mother for the first time since the 2021 coup, learning she is in solitary confinement in Naypyidaw and suffering from hand pain.
By Yasmin Duda ·
Aung San Suu Kyi informed her son that she has 18 years left to serve in her detention sentence during a 20-minute phone call on Thursday. Kim Aris, 49, described the conversation as the first direct communication with the former Myanmar leader since the military coup in 2021. The call confirmed her current status after nearly six years of silence.
Suu Kyi was first sentenced in 2021 on corruption and electoral fraud charges. Consecutive trials through 2022 increased her total sentence to 33 years. The U.S., Western nations, and human rights organizations have characterized these charges as fabricated. Her sentence was later reduced, leaving the current 18-year term to be served.
Aris learned during the call that his mother is held at a residence near Naypyidaw, the capital. He described the location as fenced off with a scrubby garden, surrounded by police and military personnel. Aris stated, "From what I can ascertain, she's basically being held in solitary confinement even if she's not in a prison cell." He added that she has access to books but likely lacks news from radio, television, or newspapers.
The former leader, 81, reported considerable pain from tendonitis in her hand, which she sometimes cannot use. She undergoes a health checkup every six months. Aris, a carpenter based in London, plans to send a care package containing a mix of healthy food and treats. He is considering Ben's Cookies, a brand from Oxford, England, where Suu Kyi raised her sons with her late husband, Michael Aris, before moving to Myanmar in 1988.
Khaing Khaing Soe, a spokesperson for Myanmar's military-backed president, confirmed the call was arranged through the Myanmar Embassy in London. Soe shared photographs of the pair on social media. Aris believes the military monitored the conversation, preventing discussion of sensitive topics like the civil war. He views the call as an effort to improve the image of coup leader Min Aung Hlaing, who is traveling abroad seeking legitimacy.
The civil war has killed approximately 100,000 people, according to the monitoring group ACLED, and has displaced millions, per the U.N. ACLED reports that the military has sharply escalated attacks on civilians since Min Aung Hlaing became president in January. The U.S. State Department urged the military to hold genuine dialogue with opposition groups and called for Suu Kyi's immediate and unconditional release in August.
Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson for the exiled National Unity Government, said the regime "dare not release" Suu Kyi because her strength would combine with the revolution. Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group described her status as "potentially the most valuable card Min Aung Hlaing holds." He warned that her release is very unlikely and would not on its own end the war. Aris said the call may be a one-off and that his mother believes she gives the people of Burma strength by sharing what they are going through.
Source: NPR
