Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's detained former leader, is being denied medical care despite her ill health, according to her son, Kim Aris. He said the ruling junta blocked prison authorities' request for his mother's 'urgent care'. Sources familiar with the matter told BBC Burmese that severe toothaches have left the 78-year-old unable to eat.
However, a junta spokesman claimed Ms Suu Kyi is in good health and receives check-ups from military and civilian doctors. Ms Suu Kyi has been detained since February 2021, when she was ousted by a military coup. In July, she was moved from prison to house arrest in the capital Nay Pyi Taw, though her exact location remains unclear.
Mr Aris, who lives in the UK, said his mother has been vomiting and suffers from 'severe dizziness'. 'To deny a sick prisoner access to recommended medical care is callous and cruel,' he said in a text message. Long-time acquaintances noted she has chronic gum disease and low blood pressure, with her gum issues having 'gotten worse'. She has been served soft food and a medicated jelly to relieve toothaches.
Myanmar's exiled National Unity Government urged the international community to pressure the junta into providing appropriate treatment for political detainees. World leaders have called for Ms Suu Kyi's unconditional release, along with thousands of others detained in the junta's crackdown on protesters who opposed the coup.
Since the coup, Myanmar has descended into near full-scale civil war, killing thousands. The military has used tactics such as air strikes, leading to high civilian casualties, and has been accused of war crimes. World leaders have condemned the coup and imposed sanctions on Myanmar's generals and military-owned companies.
