Supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi rallied in Sydney this past weekend, demanding her release and highlighting the plight of political prisoners in Myanmar. In reaction to these long term detentions and human rights violations, the demonstration has gained immense popularity. Such problems exploded following the military coup in February 2021, resulting in Suu Kyi being arrested once more.
Aung San Suu Kyi became an internationally recognized leader in the fight for democracy in Myanmar. In 1989, she was put under house arrest, the beginning of her years-long struggle to regain her freedom. Her tireless advocacy for democratic reforms against oppressive military rule earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. After almost two decades, she was finally liberated from house arrest and went on to become the State Counsellor of Myanmar, a role akin to Prime Minister. She was at the center of enormous scandals while in power. Most alarmingly, the military’s genocidal campaign against the Rohingya community marred her tenure.
A Complex Legacy
Aung San Suu Kyi’s politics have been a tale of the highest victory and deepest sorrow. After enduring years of house arrest, she finally emerged in 2010 to lead her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). Her party’s decisive electoral victory in 2015 brought her the office of State Counsellor.
Yet, Suu Kyi was severely criticized during her time in power. This was particularly applicable to her government’s approach in dealing with military operations against Rohingya people. Allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity have sullied her legacy. Suu Kyi doubled down on international audiences, arguing that her administration was guilty of no genocide. Nonetheless, she was subject to increasing criticism from the left for not doing enough to stop the violence.
“We don’t even know where they have locked up Aung San Suu Kyi and the president,” – Koko Aung
Since then, Myanmar’s political landscape has been upended. The military then orchestrated a coup, placing Suu Kyi and hundreds of other elected leaders under arrest. The abrupt return to military dictatorship has already provoked mass demonstrations. Now, people in every corner of the country and around the world are rising up to call for democracy.
Continued Detention and Health Concerns
Since the February 2021 coup, Aung San Suu Kyi has faced a barrage of legal attacks. She has been sentenced to a total of 27 years in prison on trumped-up charges, including incitement, corruption and election fraud on multiple counts. Her defenders contend that these charges are politically motivated, meant to silence dissent and entrench military rule over Myanmar.
In July 2023, she was transferred to home detention after receiving a partial pardon from all but three of her convictions. Readers will remember that alarms were raised about her health and safety while she was incarcerated for long periods of time. Her son, Kim Aris, campaigns vigorously on her behalf. He’s been candid about his fears for her wellbeing.
“We don’t even know if she is alive or not.” – Koko Aung
Supporters from across the globe have been calling for justice. In a time of much outcry, Aung San Suu Kyi continues to be seen as a figure of triumph over the fight against oppression. The insecurity that remains for her supporters is indicative of a deeper hunger for democracy and human rights across Myanmar.
The International Response
True, the international community has rightly and unequivocally condemned the military’s actions. They are calling for the release of Suu Kyi and other political prisoners. More than 60 governments have sanctioned Myanmar’s military leadership and called for justice over their onslaught against civilians.
Though all these pressures point toward a need for change, the reality on the ground is still tragic. Despite the brutal addition of lethal force and military interference in their ongoing struggle, protesters risk violence daily in order to regain their right to democratic expression. The military continues to maintain a stranglehold on power. As a consequence, the road ahead for Aung San Suu Kyi’s supporters is long and full of hard obstacles.
