Myanmar's former civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been moved from prison to house arrest, according to a spokesperson for the ruling military junta. The 78-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate has been in detention since the military seized power in February 2021, ending a decade of tentative democratic reforms and sparking widespread protests and international condemnation. She was subsequently convicted on a multitude of charges, including incitement, electoral fraud, and corruption, in a series of trials widely criticised by human rights organisations and Western governments as politically motivated.
The move to house arrest was reportedly prompted by Ms Suu Kyi's deteriorating health and the severe heatwave currently affecting Myanmar. Junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun stated that other elderly prisoners experiencing health issues during the heatwave have also been moved. However, details regarding her exact location or the conditions of her house arrest remain limited.
Aung San Suu Kyi's political career has been marked by long periods of detention. She spent 15 years under house arrest between 1989 and 2010 for her opposition to military rule before her release and subsequent victory in the 2015 general election, which brought her National League for Democracy (NLD) party to power. Her latest detention has been a significant point of contention in international diplomacy surrounding Myanmar.
The UK Government has consistently condemned the coup and the subsequent actions of the Myanmar military, including the detention and politically motivated trials of Aung San Suu Kyi. It has called for her immediate and unconditional release, alongside other political prisoners, and a return to democratic rule. Sanctions have also been imposed by the UK, in coordination with international partners, targeting individuals and entities associated with the junta.