Myanmar ex-leader reports good health after five years of confinement

Aung San Suu Kyi, the 81 year old former leader of Myanmar, remains in good physical and mental condition but lives in near total isolation, according to her son. Kim Aris spoke by phone with his mother for the first time in more than five years on Thursday. The call took place at the Myanmar embassy in London.

Suu Kyi was removed from power during a military coup in 2021. Since then, she has been moved to an unspecified location in the capital. Aris believes she is held in a fenced off residence in Naypyidaw. He describes the area as having scrubby land around the perimeter. He said he does not believe she has anyone around her other than military or police personnel.

Aris characterized her current situation as solitary confinement. He noted that she is not allowed access to newspapers, radio, or television. "She remains completely shut off from the rest of the world," he said. He added that she has been locked up for five years on trumped up charges that he considers politically motivated.

The Myanmar military recently permitted the family call as part of a diplomatic effort. Former junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has worked to rebuild international ties. In April, he changed from military fatigues to civilian clothes following elections that many observers criticized. A government spokesperson released images of Suu Kyi last week. She appeared smiling in a wood panelled room while officials handed her two gardening books. A paper calendar on the wall behind her displayed the date.

Aris described these photo opportunities as familiar tactics used by the regime to suggest fair treatment. He welcomed the chance to speak with his mother but viewed the invitation as a public relations campaign by military leaders. Activists have long demanded proof of life for Suu Kyi and other political prisoners. A Red Cross visit in August provided one of the last verified sightings.

Suu Kyi served as state counsellor after her party won a 2015 election. Her international standing faced scrutiny after the military expelled Rohingya Muslims in 2016 and 2017. She defended her government against genocide accusations at the International Court of Justice. Aris said his mother was never silent on the crisis and appointed former UN chief Kofi Annan to lead a domestic commission. The 2021 takeover started 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 Rohingya crisis, leaving the country with less international attention.