Kim Aris Reconnects With Detained Mother Aung San Suu Kyi
A brief phone call between the former leader and her son offers a rare glimpse into her health and isolation during her ongoing sentence.
By Dmitri Sokolov ·
Kim Aris recently spoke by telephone with his mother, Aung San Suu Kyi, ending a six year separation caused by the military takeover in Myanmar. The 20 minute conversation took place on Thursday and marked their first direct interaction since the coup in 2021 dismantled the democratically elected government her mother led. The call provided a significant moment of contact for the family after a long period of silence.
The former leader, who is 81 years old, has served 15 years of a reduced 18 year sentence. She was originally sentenced to 33 years in 2021 and 2022 on charges of corruption and electoral fraud, which Western nations and human rights organizations have largely viewed as fabricated. Aris, a 49 year old carpenter residing in London, noted that her first question was about his health. He confirmed her well being to reporters, stating that hearing her voice has been reassuring for the family.
According to Aris, his mother is held in a residence near the capital, Naypyidaw. He believes the location is surrounded by police and military personnel and features a fenced garden that she is permitted to use. He described her situation as solitary confinement, noting that she can read books but likely lacks access to news media such as radio, television, or newspapers. The military spokesperson, Khaing Khaing Soe, confirmed that the call was arranged through the Myanmar Embassy in London and shared photographs of the two individuals.
Health concerns remain a priority for the family, as Aris reported that Suu Kyi is in considerable pain from hand tendonitis that occasionally limits her use of the limb. She undergoes a medical checkup every six months. Aris is preparing to send a care package that mixes healthy foods with treats, considering items from a cookie brand founded in Oxford, England, where she raised her sons with her late husband, Michael Aris, before moving to Myanmar in 1988.
Aris suspects the military monitored the conversation, which led them to avoid sensitive topics such as the ongoing civil war. He views the call as a strategic move by the regime to enhance its international image, especially as president Min Aung Hlaing travels abroad to seek legitimacy. The coup has triggered a conflict that has killed approximately 100,000 people according to the monitoring group ACLED, while millions have been displaced. The military has escalated attacks on civilians since Hlaing took office, despite remaining under U.S. sanctions for human rights abuses.
Political analysts suggest that the regime hesitates to free Suu Kyi because her strength could bolster the revolution. Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group described her as a valuable asset for Hlaing, warning that she could serve as a bargaining chip. The U.S. State Department has urged the military to engage in genuine dialogue and called for her immediate release. Aris believes the call may be a one time event and that his mother feels her endurance strengthens the people of Myanmar.
Source: NPR
