Junta allows Aung San Suu Kyi to speak with son for first time in over five years

By Admin 22 Oct 2026

DMG Newsroom

22 October 2026, Nay Pyi Taw

The military junta has allowed detained former State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to speak with her son, Kim Aris, by telephone for the first time in more than five years, according to statements from Aris and reports by international media.

The conversation took place on October 22 through Myanmar’s embassy in London, according to a spokesperson for the military backed president.

Since the February 1, 2021, military coup, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been largely isolated from her family. She was moved from prison to house arrest in April 2026, according to the authorities.

“Today, I was finally able to speak with my mother, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, after more than five years. Hearing her voice again means more than words can express,” Kim Aris said in a statement posted on social media.

Aris thanked those who had supported him and campaigned for his mother’s release, while urging them to continue pressing for her freedom.

He emphasized that his 81-year-old mother remained detained and that a single telephone conversation did not amount to regular family contact or mean she had been released.

“My mother must never be held hostage or used as a bargaining chip for diplomatic recognition, sanctions relief or political advantage,” Aris said.

He urged foreign governments engaging with Myanmar’s military authorities, including the British government, not to sacrifice human rights for diplomatic recognition. He also renewed his call for the immediate and unconditional release of his mother and all other political prisoners.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was initially sentenced to 33 years in prison across multiple charges. Following sentence reductions granted through amnesties in 2026, she is now serving an 18-year sentence, according to Reuters.