Myanmar ex-leader Aung San Suu Kyi held in isolation for five years, son says

Aung San Suu Kyi has been held in near-total isolation for five years, according to her son, who spoke with her for the first time in that period. Kim Aris, 81, told reporters on Saturday that his mother remains in good physical and mental health despite being kept away from the public eye.

The former state counsellor was removed from power during the 2021 military coup. She is currently detained in an unspecified location within the capital, Naypyidaw. Aris described the site as a fenced-off residence with scrubby land surrounding the building.

Aris made the announcement on Saturday after a call with his mother on Thursday. The conversation took place at the Myanmar embassy in London. He said he believes she is surrounded only by military and police personnel.

"She still sounds certainly all there mentally, and physically she sounds strong," Aris said. He characterized her situation as essentially solitary confinement based on what he could gather during the brief communication.

The military junta has recently sought to improve its international standing. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing switched from military fatigues to civilian clothes in April following elections that observers widely criticized. Aris viewed the invitation to call his mother as part of a public relations campaign by the country's leaders.

Government officials released images of Suu Kyi last week showing her smiling in a room with wood paneling. The photos captured the moment officials presented her with two gardening books gifted by King Charles III. A paper calendar on the wall behind her confirmed the date. Aris called such photo opportunities familiar stunts used to suggest fair treatment.

"She remains completely shut off from the rest of the world," Aris said. He noted that she is not permitted access to newspapers, radio, or television. He argued that she has been locked up for five years on politically motivated charges and should be released.

Suu Kyi led Myanmar's brief democratic opening after her party won the 2015 election overwhelmingly. Her tenure ended with the 2021 takeover, which triggered a civil war that conflict monitors say has killed more than 100,000 people. Activists have long demanded proof of life for her and other political prisoners.

Aris said his mother was never silent on the Rohingya crisis and that her views on the matter could fill volumes. He added that she appointed former UN chief Kofi Annan to lead a domestic inquiry into the issue. He described her time in power as walking a tightrope, knowing the military could remove her at any time.