Daijiworld Media Network – Naypyitaw
Naypyitaw, May 1: Former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved from prison to house arrest and granted a reduction in her sentence as part of a prisoner amnesty announced to mark a key Buddhist holiday.
The 80-year-old Nobel laureate, who has been in detention since the military coup in February 2021, will now serve the remainder of her term at an undisclosed residence instead of a prison facility. The move was confirmed by Myanmar’s military authorities, who also released a recent photograph of Suu Kyi — her first public image in years.
Earlier, officials had announced that her sentence would be reduced under an amnesty issued on the occasion of the Full Moon Day of Kason, which commemorates the birth of Lord Buddha. The amnesty covered over 1,500 prisoners and included a one-sixth reduction in sentences for those still incarcerated.
Originally sentenced to 33 years in prison on multiple charges widely criticised by rights groups, Suu Kyi’s term is now reduced to approximately 18 years, with more than 13 years still remaining, according to reports.
The development comes shortly after Senior General Min Aung Hlaing assumed the presidency following elections criticised by observers as lacking credibility. Authorities said the decision to transfer Suu Kyi was aimed at demonstrating “humanitarian concern” and promoting goodwill.
However, rights organisations and critics have questioned the intent behind the move, suggesting it is an attempt to improve the military government’s image without initiating real political reform.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the transfer as a “meaningful step” but reiterated the need for the release of all political prisoners and a genuine move towards inclusive dialogue and an end to violence.
Suu Kyi has not been seen publicly since her arrest, and her legal team has reportedly been denied direct access since late 2022. Concerns over her health have also surfaced in recent years, though they remain unverified.
Myanmar has been engulfed in conflict since the 2021 military takeover, which led to widespread protests and a prolonged civil unrest. Rights groups estimate that tens of thousands have been detained in connection with the political crisis.
Suu Kyi, once a global symbol of democratic resistance and Nobel Peace Prize winner, had earlier spent nearly 15 years under house arrest during previous military regimes.