On Thursday, Aung San Suu Kyi, the ousted democratic leader of Myanmar, observed her 80th birthday while in detention under the military junta, facing multiple sentences that could extend for the remainder of her life.
Aung San Suu Kyi emerged as a prominent figure in Myanmar’s prolonged democratic transition, assuming the role of de facto leader as the nation shifted away from military governance.
In the wake of the 2021 coup, which saw the military reclaim control, she found herself imprisoned on a series of charges that included corruption and violations of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, resulting in a 27-year sentence.
“Celebrations seem difficult at this time,” Kim Aris, her 47-year-old son residing in the UK, commented.
“The prolonged nature of the situation has taught us resilience.”
In a remarkable display of dedication, he is set to cover 80 kilometres (50 miles) in the eight days leading up to his mother’s birthday. Alongside this physical challenge, he has amassed over 80,000 video messages filled with well-wishes for her.
However, Suu Kyi remains out of reach, confined in Myanmar’s expansive capital, Naypyidaw, from which the military orchestrates a civil war against guerrilla fighters.
Aris revealed that he has received communication from his mother just once, through a letter sent two years ago, since her imprisonment.
“We are currently unaware of her condition,” he stated.
Despite her significant popularity in the predominantly Buddhist nation, her reputation as a symbol of democracy on the international stage deteriorated prior to the military coup, notably after she supported the generals during their violent actions against the Rohingya Muslim minority.
Under her leadership, hundreds of thousands were forced to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh, although some contend that she was constrained by the enduring influence of Myanmar’s military.
In a striking turn of events, institutions and individuals that previously honoured Suu Kyi with accolades have swiftly distanced themselves from her. Furthermore, her recent imprisonment has garnered significantly less international scrutiny compared to earlier instances.
Birthday in confinement
Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of Myanmar’s independence hero Aung San, emerged as a prominent advocate for democracy, a role she assumed almost inadvertently.
After years spent overseas, she made her way back in 1988 to care for her ailing mother. However, she soon became a prominent figure in anti-military protests, which were met with a severe crackdown.
After spending 15 years in confinement, primarily within her family’s lakeside mansion in Yangon, she continued to attract large crowds for speeches delivered over the boundary wall.
The military extended an offer of freedom in exchange for her exile. Yet, her composed rejection propelled her into the public eye and ultimately earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.
On the eve of the coup, she vanished from the public eye.
Aris expressed concern that she may be experiencing untreated medical issues related to her heart, bones, and gums.
The junta in Myanmar provides sporadic updates regarding her condition and the circumstances of her imprisonment.
In March, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun informed reporters that she is in good health, noting that she receives routine medical check-ups and is not experiencing any health issues.
Aung San Suu Kyi emerged from her initial period of confinement in 2010, subsequently guiding her National League for Democracy party to a significant electoral triumph in 2015. However, she was never officially in control, as military-imposed regulations prevented her from assuming the presidency.
The military has committed to holding new elections by the end of this year; however, numerous groups, once aligned with Suu Kyi’s non-violent approach, are now preparing to boycott the process after resorting to armed resistance.
If the octogenarian is released, Aris anticipates that she will probably withdraw from a “frontline position” in Myanmar politics.
