Myanmar detention: 18 years remaining for Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi has 18 years left on her 33-year prison sentence, her son confirmed after their first direct conversation since the 2021 coup. Kim Aris, 49, spoke with the 81-year-old former leader on Thursday for 20 minutes. The call ended a nearly six-year silence between the mother and son.

Suu Kyi was sentenced in 2021 to 33 years on corruption and electoral fraud charges. Subsequent trials added to the total, but a later reduction left her with 18 years to serve. The U.S. and Western nations have widely condemned the charges as fabricated. Her son, a carpenter based in London, said she is alive and well.

The military arranged the call through its embassy in London. Khaing Khaing Soe, a spokesperson for the military-backed president, shared photos of the pair on social media. Aris said the call was monitored, so sensitive topics like the ongoing civil war were off limits. He believes the regime is trying to improve its image while coup leader Min Aung Hlaing travels abroad.

Aris learned that his mother is held in a residence near Naypyidaw, the capital. He described the building as fenced off with a small garden. He believes police and military personnel surround the site. "From what I can ascertain, she's basically being held in solitary confinement even if she's not in a prison cell," he said. She can read books but likely lacks access to news media.

Her physical condition remains a concern for the family. Aris said she sounded strong but is in considerable pain from tendonitis in her hand. She sometimes cannot use the affected hand. She told him she receives a health checkup every six months. Aris plans to send a care package containing healthy food and treats.

The military has escalated attacks on civilians since Min Aung Hlaing became president, according to the monitoring group ACLED. The group says the civil war has killed about 100,000 people. The U.N. reports that millions have been displaced. Hlaing remains under U.S. sanctions for human rights abuses, including the 2016-2017 killings of Rohingya Muslims.

Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the exiled National Unity Government, believes the regime will not release Suu Kyi because her strength would combine with the revolution. Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group called her status a valuable card for Hlaing. He warned she could become a bargaining chip while airstrikes continue.

The U.S. State Department urged the military to hold genuine dialogue with opposition groups. In August, its Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs called for Suu Kyi's immediate and unconditional release. Aris said the call may be a one-off event. He noted his mother believes sharing her experience gives the people of Burma strength.