After proof of life, Aung San Suu Kyi’s son calls for detained leader to be freed

Aung San Suu Kyi's son, Kim Aris, is continuing to call for his mother's unconditional release, despite the military government's decision to allow her to meet with visitors. Aris revealed on Tuesday that he had spoken directly with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) representative who met with his mother, expressing renewed hope that she was still alive.

Suu Kyi's son emphasized that his mother's release was crucial, stating that she has been unjustly held by a brutal military regime for over five years. He thanked the international community, including ASEAN and governments worldwide, for their political pressure and support. Aris urged transparency regarding his mother's current situation and guaranteed contact with her family, warning that the recent meeting with the ICRC was only the "first, albeit welcome, step."

The meeting occurred just days before Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing visited Thailand, which Aris called a "tactical" move by Hlaing to gain international legitimacy, rather than a humanitarian gesture. Hlaing, who led the 2021 coup d'état, will visit Thailand from Thursday to Friday for talks with the Prime Minister and a bilateral business forum.

The ASEAN Five-Point Consensus calls for an immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, constructive dialogue, a special envoy for mediation, and humanitarian assistance. The military regime must release political prisoners, including Suu Kyi, to meet the terms of the Consensus.