Son Hears Mother's Voice After Six Years

Kim Aris finally heard his mother's voice after nearly six years of silence. The 20-minute call occurred on Thursday and marked the first direct conversation between the two since the 2021 coup toppled the government she led.

Aris, a 49-year-old carpenter based in London, said his mother's first words concerned his health. She appeared strong despite chronic tendonitis in her hand that sometimes prevents her from using it. She receives a health checkup every six months and requested a care package containing a mix of healthy food and treats. Aris is considering sending Ben's Cookies, a brand from Oxford, England, where Suu Kyi raised their sons with her late husband, Michael Aris, before moving to Myanmar in 1988.

The former leader, 81, has served 18 years of a reduced sentence following consecutive trials for corruption and electoral fraud. Western nations and human rights groups have called the charges fabricated. Khaing Khaing Soe, a spokesperson for the military-backed president, confirmed the call was arranged through the Myanmar Embassy in London. Aris learned she is held at a fenced residence near the capital, Naypyidaw. He believes police and military personnel surround the building, which has a nondescript garden. He described her situation as solitary confinement, noting she can read books but lacks access to news media.

Aris believes the military monitored the call, so sensitive topics like the civil war were avoided. He recalled her house arrest in Yangon from 1989 to 2010, when the regime used photographs of her parcels for propaganda. He views the call as an image improvement effort for Min Aung Hlaing, the coup leader who became president in January. Hlaing is traveling abroad to seek legitimacy while remaining under U.S. sanctions for human rights abuses, including the 2016 to 2017 killings of Rohingya Muslims, which Washington declared a genocide.

The coup triggered a civil war that killed about 100,000 people, according to the monitoring group ACLED. The U.N. says millions have been displaced. ACLED reports the military has escalated attacks on civilians since Hlaing took office. Nay Phone Latt of the exiled National Unity Government believes the regime will not release Suu Kyi because her strength would aid the revolution. Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group called her status a valuable card for Hlaing, warning she could become a bargaining chip. He said her release is unlikely and would not end the war alone.

The U.S. State Department remains concerned about unjustly detained individuals and urged genuine dialogue with opposition groups. In August, the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs called for her immediate and unconditional release. Aris said the call may be a one-off event. He noted his mother believes she gives the people of Burma strength by sharing their struggles.