Myanmar's detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi is being denied medical care despite her ill health, her son has said. Kim Aris said the junta ruling the country 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.
Mr Aris, who is based in the UK, said his mother has been vomiting and endures 'severe dizziness' due to her ill health. 'To deny a sick prisoner access to recommended medical care is callous and cruel,' he said in a text message. He added that anyone with such painful gum disease that they are unable to eat has their entire health at risk if suitable treatment is denied.
However, a junta spokesman said Ms Suu Kyi is in good health and receives check-ups from military and civilian doctors. Long-time acquaintances told BBC Burmese that she has chronic gum disease and suffers from low blood pressure, while a source noted that her gum issues have worsened and she has been given soft food and medicated jelly.
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, but her exact whereabouts remain unclear. Myanmar's exiled National Unity Government has urged the international community to pressure the junta into providing appropriate treatment for political detainees.
Many world leaders have called for Ms Suu Kyi's unconditional release, along with that of thousands of others detained in the junta's crackdown. After the coup, Myanmar descended into almost full-scale civil war, killing thousands. The military has used air strikes causing high civilian casualties and has been accused of war crimes. World leaders have imposed sanctions on Myanmar's generals and military-owned companies.
