ASEAN Chair Urges Myanmar to Free More Detainees, Including Aung San Suu Kyi

ASEAN chair Philippines urges Myanmar to free more prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi

The Philippines, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on Friday called on Myanmar to release more prisoners, including ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, saying a recent amnesty was a positive step toward inclusive national dialogue.

“We reaffirm our commitment to assisting Myanmar, as an integral part of ASEAN, to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the political crisis,” the Philippines said in a statement.

Aung San Suu Kyi has been in detention since her elected government was overthrown in the 2021 Myanmar coup. Her welfare was raised this week by Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during talks with Myanmar’s president, Min Aung Hlaing.

Sihasak said Min Aung Hlaing told him the 80-year-old leader was being “well looked after” and that “good things” were being considered for her, without giving details. He added that he conveyed ASEAN’s concerns over her condition.

Aung San Suu Kyi is serving a 27-year sentence after being convicted on multiple charges that her allies say are politically motivated, including incitement, corruption, election fraud and violating state secrets laws.

Her sentence was reduced by one-sixth as part of a recent amnesty covering thousands of prisoners. The measure also secured the release of her ally, Win Myint, who was detained alongside her following the coup.

The military takeover, led by Min Aung Hlaing, ended a decade of tentative democratic reforms and triggered mass protests and a prolonged civil conflict. ASEAN subsequently barred Myanmar’s ruling generals from its summits while pushing for dialogue.

At his recent inauguration, Min Aung Hlaing said peace and reconciliation would be his priority and signalled a desire to rebuild ties with ASEAN — an effort Thailand has pledged to support.