Myanmar’s detained former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been transferred from prison to house arrest.
According to a military government spokesperson, Major General Zaw Min Tun cited extreme heat as a reason for the move, emphasizing efforts to protect vulnerable prisoners, including the elderly, from heatstroke.
The location of Suu Kyi’s new confinement remains undisclosed, with Major General Zaw Min Tun not immediately available for further comments to Reuters.
Previously, Suu Kyi was confined for 15 years at a dilapidated colonial-style family home on Yangon’s Inya Lake. This location was historically significant as she delivered powerful speeches to her supporters.
Currently, 78, Suu Kyi has been in military custody following the 2021 coup that ousted her government. She faces a sentence of 27 years on various charges, including treason and bribery, which she denies.
Her son, Kim Aris, mentioned in February that Suu Kyi was in solitary confinement but remained spirited, though her health was declining.
Calls for her release have been consistent from world leaders and democracy advocates.
Additionally, a spokesperson from the NUG shadow government demanded the unconditional release of both Suu Kyi and U Win Myint, the ousted president, who is also under house arrest. The spokesperson, Kyaw Zaw, stated late Tuesday to Reuters, “While transferring them to house arrest is a positive step, they must be fully released and their health and security guaranteed.”
