For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Myanmar’s detained former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been moved from prison to house arrest, a spokesperson for the military junta said.
The shift is meant to be a precaution during hot weather in the country.
“Since the weather is extremely hot, it is not only for Aung San Suu Kyi … For all those who need necessary precautions, especially elderly prisoners, we are working to protect them from heatstroke,” Major General Zaw Min Tun said.
Ms Suu Kyi’s son, Kim Aris, has previously spoken about his mother’s deteriorating health in prison, especially her gums.
The 78-year-old Nobel laureate faces 27 years in prison for varied crimes ranging from bribery to violation of the country’s telecommunications law. She denies all wrongdoing.
She was detained after the 1 February 2021 coup by the military junta.
The National Unity Government [NUG], an alliance of anti-junta groups, called for the unconditional release of Ms Suu Kyi and U Win Myint, Myanmar’s ousted president.
“Moving them from prisons to houses is good, as houses are better than prisons. However, they must be unconditionally freed. They must take full responsibility for the health and security of Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint,” spokesperson Kyaw Zaw was quoted as saying by Reuters.
There have been reports previously also about Ms Suu Kyi being relocated to house arrest.
Mr Aris was quoted as saying by the Guardian last year in September: “They have tried these tactics of appeasing the broader international community by saying that she has been moved to house arrest, which is absolutely not true. She’s still in prison.”
More follows
