Aung San Suu Kyi Confirms Solitary Confinement in 20-Minute Call to Son
The 81-year-old Nobel laureate told Kim Aris she is held alone near Naypyidaw with limited news access, as her sentence stands at 18 years remaining.
By Harper Hassan ·
Kim Aris spoke to his mother, Aung San Suu Kyi, by telephone for 20 minutes on Thursday, marking their first direct conversation since the 2021 coup. The call, arranged through the Myanmar Embassy in London, occurred nearly six years after the military seized power. Aris, a 49-year-old carpenter based in London, confirmed that his mother is alive and in good general condition, stating that hearing her voice provided reassurance.
Suu Kyi, 81, has been under military control since February 2021. Her initial sentencing that year was followed by consecutive trials in 2022, which totaled 33 years for corruption and electoral fraud. While the sentence was later reduced, she still has 18 years to serve. The U.S. and Western nations have long viewed the charges as fabricated. A spokesperson for the military-backed president shared photographs of the two on social media, noting the call was facilitated via the London embassy.
Aris learned from the conversation that his mother is held at a residence in the capital region of Naypyidaw. He believes police and military personnel surround the fenced building, which features a scrubby garden she is permitted to use. "From what I can ascertain, she's basically being held in solitary confinement even if she's not in a prison cell," Aris said. Although she can read books, he believes she lacks access to news via radio, television, or newspapers.
The family’s primary concern regarding her health was addressed during the call. Aris reported that she sounded strong but suffers from considerable tendonitis pain in her hand, which occasionally renders it unusable. She told him she receives medical checkups every six months. Aris is preparing a care package that includes a mix of healthy foods and treats, with Ben's Cookies from Oxford, England, in consideration.
Aris believes the military monitored the conversation, prompting both parties to avoid sensitive topics such as the ongoing civil war. He views the call as a strategic move to improve the regime's image while Min Aung Hlaing, installed as president in January, seeks international legitimacy. "I hope that governments around the world won't be taken in," he said. The coup has triggered a conflict that ACLED estimates has killed approximately 100,000 people, while the U.N. reports millions have been displaced.
Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the exiled National Unity Government, stated the regime "dare not release" Suu Kyi because her strength would bolster the revolution. Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group described her status as the "most valuable card" Min Aung Hlaing holds, warning she may serve as a bargaining chip. The U.S. State Department urged the military in August to secure her "immediate and unconditional release," though Aris suspects the call may be a one-off event.
Suu Kyi’s international standing was tested in 2019 when she defended Myanmar at the International Court of Justice against genocide allegations regarding the Rohingya. Despite this, she remains popular domestically. Aris noted that his mother believes sharing her experience with the people of Burma provides them with strength, even as the military continues to escalate attacks on civilians under U.S. sanctions.
Source: NPR
