Myanmar’s former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under detention, was recently relocated from prison to house arrest, as announced by state television on Thursday evening. The news was disseminated through a brief message to journalists by the government’s Military Information Team. Accompanying the announcement was a photograph of Suu Kyi, aged 80, seated on a wooden bench in a skirt and traditional white blouse, positioned behind a low table with two unidentified men, one in a police uniform and the other in a different uniform.
Suu Kyi has been in custody since February 1, 2021, following the military’s seizure of power from her elected government. She has not made any public appearances since then, with the last official photo of her released on May 24, 2021, depicting her in court. Initially sentenced to 33 years in prison in late 2022 on various charges deemed by her supporters and rights organizations as efforts to tarnish her reputation and justify the army’s takeover that ousted her from office while also barring her from returning to political activities.
The message regarding her transfer stated that she was moved from the primary prison in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, to house arrest, with the move being made “to commemorate Buddha Day, display humanitarian concern, and showcase the state’s benevolence.” The exact location where she is to serve the remainder of her sentence was not specified; however, it indicated that according to the imprisonment place designation law, she would now complete her sentence at a designated home instead of a prison facility.