17-4-2024 (YANGON) Myanmar’s detained former leader and Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been transferred from prison to house arrest, disclosed a spokesperson for the military government.
“Given the sweltering weather conditions, this measure is not just for Aung San Suu Kyi but also for all those requiring necessary precautions, particularly elderly prisoners, to safeguard them from heatstroke,” stated junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun in comments reported by four media outlets late on Tuesday.
Details regarding Suu Kyi’s new residence were not immediately disclosed, and Zaw Min Tun did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
Suu Kyi spent a total of 15 years under house arrest during the rule of a previous junta, residing in a dilapidated colonial-style family residence on Yangon’s Inya Lake. It was at this location that she famously delivered impassioned speeches to crowds of supporters over the property’s metal gates.
The 78-year-old Suu Kyi has been detained by Myanmar’s military since the 2021 coup that ousted her government. She currently faces 27 years in prison on charges including treason, bribery, and violations of the telecommunications law, all of which she denies.
In February, her son Kim Aris disclosed that she was in solitary confinement and, although her health had deteriorated, she remained in good spirits.
Leaders worldwide and pro-democracy activists have consistently called for her release.
A spokesperson for the NUG shadow government also advocated for the unconditional release of Suu Kyi and U Win Myint, Myanmar’s ousted president, who is reported to have been moved to house arrest as well.
“While the move from prisons to houses is positive, as houses are preferable to prisons, their unconditional release is imperative. The health and security of Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint must be fully ensured,” emphasized spokesperson Kyaw Zaw in a statement to Reuters late on Tuesday.
