Aung San Suu Kyi's son speaks to mother after five years

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 10:20 · Archive

The son of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has spoken to her by phone for the first time in over five years.

Kim Aris, the son of Myanmar's former democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, spoke to his mother by phone for the first time in more than five years. He announced the conversation on Facebook on Thursday, writing that 'hearing her voice again means more than words can express'. According to NPR, Aris told the outlet that his mother sounds strong but is in pain. She is held at a residence in Naypyidaw, the capital.

Aung San Suu Kyi, an 81-year-old Nobel peace prize laureate, has been under house arrest since Myanmar's military coup in February 2021 ended a decade-long democratic experiment. The military held her in almost total seclusion for years, though in recent months authorities have increasingly loosened her detention and released photographs of her, as supporters have demanded proof of life. This phone call represents a significant easing of restrictions.

Aris, who lives in the UK, expressed gratitude to supporters and said he believed their advocacy helped make the conversation possible. However, he emphasised that one conversation is not regular family access and stressed that his mother remains unjustly detained at 81 years old. Earlier this week, Myanmar authorities said she received a package from Britain's King Charles containing two books about soil and a sealed diplomatic communication from the monarch.

How it is being reported

• After nearly 6 years, ex-Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's son hears her voiceKim Aris tells NPR his mother sounds strong but is in pain. He says she is held at a residence in the capital.NPR · 23 Oct, 10:00
• Aung San Suu Kyi’s son speaks to detained former Myanmar leader for first time in five yearsKim Aris says ‘hearing her voice again means more than words can express’ amid loosening of detention restrictions The son of Myanmar ’s Aung San Suu Kyi has been allowed to speak to the detained former democratic leader for the first time in more than five years. “Today, I was finally able to speak with my mother, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, after more than five years. Hearing her voice again means more than words can express,” Kim Aris said in a post on Facebook on Thursday. Continue reading...Guardian World · 22 Oct, 11:38

In this story: Aung San Suu Kyi · Kim Aris · Myanmar · Naypyidaw · King Charles

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