Aung San Suu Kyi Moved from Prison to House Arrest Amid Extreme Heat
In a surprising turn of events, Myanmar’s detained former leader and Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been relocated from prison to house arrest, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the military government.
Major General Zaw Min Tun stated, “Since the weather is extremely hot, it is not only for Aung San Suu Kyi… For all those who need necessary precautions, especially elderly prisoners, we are working to protect them from heatstroke,” in remarks reported by multiple media outlets.
The exact location where Suu Kyi has been moved to remains unknown, as Zaw Min Tun did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
Suu Kyi, aged 78, spent a total of 15 years under house arrest during a previous junta regime at a dilapidated, colonial-style family residence on Yangon’s Inya Lake, where she famously delivered impassioned speeches to her supporters over the metal gates of the property.
Since the military coup in 2021, Suu Kyi has been in detention by the Myanmar military and is facing a potential 27-year prison sentence on various charges including treason, bribery, and violations of the telecommunications law, all of which she denies.
In February, her son Kim Aris revealed that she was being held in solitary confinement but remained in good spirits, despite her declining health.
Numerous world leaders and pro-democracy activists have continuously called for her release, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights and democracy in Myanmar.
A spokesperson for the NUG shadow government echoed these sentiments, demanding the unconditional release of both Suu Kyi and U Win Myint, Myanmar’s ousted president, who has also reportedly been placed under house arrest.
Spokesperson Kyaw Zaw emphasized, “Moving them from prisons to houses is a positive step, as houses provide better conditions than prisons. However, they must be released unconditionally. The health and safety of Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint must be given top priority,” in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday. — Agencies
