Aung San Suu Kyi's son calls for release after 'proof of life'

Kim Aris, the son of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has expressed relief and renewed hope after receiving confirmation that his mother is alive and well. He met with a representative from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) who had visited Suu Kyi on August 3, marking the first public confirmation of contact since the 2021 military coup.

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At last, after five tortuous years of my mother wrongly jailed by a brutal military regime, I have evidence that she is still alive.

Aris described the meeting as a crucial "proof of life" after more than five years of his mother's "wrongful jailing" by the military regime. He conveyed his anger at her unjust detention and effective solitary confinement but expressed gratitude for the international attention his mother continues to receive, thanks to pressure from ASEAN and global governments.

He extended his sincere thanks to all governments, parliamentarians, diplomats, international organizations, journalists, and human rights advocates who have supported his family. Aris specifically acknowledged those who joined and amplified the "proof of life" campaign.

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I feel anger that she is being unjustly held and has been held in effective solitary confinement for more than five years.

While welcoming the ICRC meeting as a positive step, Aris cautioned that it is only the "first, albeit welcome, step." He emphasized the need for transparency regarding Suu Kyi's current situation and guaranteed communication with her family. Aris stressed that international pressure for her unconditional release, and that of all political prisoners, must not be lessened. He also called for accountability from the military regime.

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I sincerely thank every government, parliamentarian, diplomat, international organization, journalist, human rights advocate and supporter who has stood with my family throughout these difficult years.

Aris noted the timing of the ICRC meeting, occurring just days before Myanmar's leader Min Aung Hlaing visited Thailand. He characterized the regime's move as tactical rather than humanitarian, aimed at pursuing legitimacy without fulfilling the terms of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus. Aris urged that pressure on the regime must be maintained.

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The pressure to free her must not be lessened.