Aung San Suu Kyi reports good health after five years
Kim Aris says his mother is mentally sharp but held in solitary confinement in Naypyidaw following a first call in over five years.
By Alina Carter ·
Aung San Suu Kyi is in good physical and mental health but remains in near-total isolation, according to her son Kim Aris. The 81-year-old former leader spoke to Aris for the first time in more than five years on Thursday. The call took place at the Myanmar embassy in London.
Aris said his mother sounds strong and mentally present. He believes she is held in solitary confinement, surrounded only by military or police personnel. Aris estimates she is kept at a fenced-off residence in Naypyidaw with scrubby land around it. He noted that he is still not certain of her exact location.
The former state counsellor was deposed in the 2021 military coup and moved to an unspecified location in the capital. Aris described the permission to speak with her as part of a public relations campaign by the country's military leaders. He said the regime has long used photo opportunities to suggest fair treatment.
Last week, a government spokesperson released images of Suu Kyi smiling in a wood-panelled room. Officials handed her two gardening books given as gifts by Britain's King Charles. A paper calendar on the wall behind her confirmed the date. Aris called such moments familiar stunts by the regime.
Activists have demanded proof of life for Suu Kyi and other political prisoners for years. She was photographed during a Red Cross visit in August. Aris said she remains completely shut off from the world, with no access to newspapers, radio, or television. He argued she should be free after five years on politically motivated charges.
The 2021 takeover triggered a civil war that conflict monitors say has killed more than 100,000 people. Aris said global support for his mother has dwindled since the 2016 and 2017 Rohingya crisis. He added that the country now suffers from a lack of international attention.
Former junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has worked to rebuild diplomatic ties abroad. In April, he switched from military fatigues to civilian clothes after elections widely condemned as a sham. Aris said his mother was never silent on the Rohingya issue and that her explanations could fill volumes. He noted she appointed former UN chief Kofi Annan to lead a domestic inquiry under her leadership.
