Myanmar Detention: Kim Aris Connects with Mother by Phone

Kim Aris, a 49 year old carpenter living in London, spoke with his mother Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday. The 20 minute phone call marked their first direct conversation since the military coup in 2021. Aris described the moment as a significant reassurance for the family after nearly six years of separation.

The former leader is currently serving a reduced sentence of 18 years. She was originally sentenced to 33 years in 2021 and 2022 on corruption and electoral fraud charges. The United States, Western nations, and human rights organizations have widely criticized the legal basis for these convictions. The military government has confirmed the call was arranged through the Myanmar Embassy in London.

Aris is the eldest son of Aung San Suu Kyi and the late British scholar Michael Aris. He raised in Oxford, England, before the family moved to Myanmar in 1988. During the call, Suu Kyi asked about his health first. Aris noted that her voice sounded strong, which provided comfort to the family despite her known health struggles.

The family has long been concerned about her physical well being. Aris reported that she suffers from tendonitis in her hand, which causes considerable pain and sometimes prevents her from using it. She told him she receives a health checkup every six months. Aris is planning to send a care package that includes a mix of healthy food and treats, possibly including cookies from a brand founded in Oxford.

Aris learned from the conversation that she is held at a residence near the capital, Naypyidaw. He believes the building is surrounded by police and military personnel. The facility is fenced off and has a scrubby garden that she is likely allowed to use. Aris described the situation as solitary confinement, even though she is not in a traditional prison cell. He does not believe she has access to radio, television, or newspapers.

The military likely monitored the call, according to Aris. Sensitive topics such as the ongoing civil war were avoided. He recalled a similar period of house arrest in Yangon between 1989 and 2010, when the regime used photographs of her parcels for propaganda. Aris sees the call as an effort by the military to improve its public image as President Min Aung Hlaing seeks international legitimacy.

The civil war that followed the coup has resulted in approximately 100,000 deaths, according to the monitoring group ACLED. The United Nations reports that millions of people have been displaced. ACLED notes that attacks on civilians have escalated since Min Aung Hlaing became president in January. He remains under U.S. sanctions for human rights abuses, including the 2016 and 2017 treatment of Rohingya Muslims.

Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group describes Suu Kyi as a valuable bargaining chip for the military. He warns that her release is unlikely and would not end the war on its own. Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the exiled National Unity Government, believes the regime fears that her release would strengthen the revolution. The U.S. State Department has urged the military to hold genuine dialogue and release her immediately.

Aris said the call may be a one time event. He believes his mother thinks that sharing her experience gives strength to the people of Myanmar. The military government continues to hold her in detention while seeking diplomatic engagement with regional governments. The family remains hopeful for further contact but remains cautious about the military's motives.