Myanmar’s former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under detention, has now been moved from prison to house arrest, as announced by state television on Thursday night. The news was further disseminated through a brief text message to journalists by the government’s Military Information Team. A photo accompanying the announcement depicted the 80-year-old Suu Kyi seated on a wooden bench, dressed in a skirt and traditional white blouse, facing two unidentified men—one in a police uniform and the other in a different type of uniform.
Suu Kyi has been in custody since February 1, 2021, following the army’s takeover of power from her elected government. Her public appearances have been scarce, with the last official photo released on May 24, 2021, showing her in court. Initially sentenced to 33 years in prison in late 2022 on multiple charges deemed by her supporters and rights organizations as attempts to undermine her credibility and justify the army’s seizure of authority, as well as to hinder her political comeback.
The message revealing her transfer indicated that she was relocated from the main prison in Naypyitaw, Myanmar’s capital, to house arrest, citing the move as a gesture to mark Buddha Day, demonstrate compassion, and exhibit the state’s benevolence. Although her precise whereabouts were not disclosed, it stated that as per the law governing the designation of a place of confinement, she will now serve the remainder of her sentence at a specific residence instead of in prison.
