Myanmar’s former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, 80, has been out of public view since the military seized power in 2021, toppling the elected National League for Democracy government she led.
Following the coup, Suu Kyi was sentenced to 33 years in prison on multiple charges, including corruption and allegations of leaking state secrets. Her sentence was later reduced through a pardon process—first to 27 years and then to 18 years—while details about where she is being held have not been disclosed.
In May, the military-backed authorities said Suu Kyi had been transferred to house arrest. However, her younger son, Kim Aris, who lives in London, has raised strong doubts about that claim and demanded credible evidence that she is alive.
Aris, who has been campaigning internationally for his mother’s release and for Myanmar’s political prisoners, said the only information the family receives is that her health is deteriorating. He added that his last direct contact with her was a letter received two years ago, and said he feels compelled to speak out despite not wanting a political role.
