ASEAN chair Philippines urges Myanmar to free more detainees, including Aung San Suu Kyi
The Philippines, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on Friday urged Myanmar to release more prisoners, including ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, calling a recent amnesty a step toward inclusive national dialogue.
“We reaffirm our commitment to assisting Myanmar… to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the political crisis,” the Philippines said in a statement.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained since the 2021 Myanmar coup that ousted her elected government. Her condition was raised this week by Thailand’s foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during talks with Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing.
According to Sihasak, Min Aung Hlaing said the 80-year-old was being “well looked after” and that “good things” were being considered, without elaborating. He added that ASEAN’s concerns over her welfare were conveyed.
Aung San Suu Kyi is serving a 27-year sentence on multiple charges that her allies say are politically motivated. Her term was reduced by one-sixth under a recent amnesty that freed thousands of prisoners, including her ally Win Myint.
The 2021 coup, led by Min Aung Hlaing, ended a decade of fragile democratic transition and sparked mass protests and a protracted civil conflict. ASEAN has since barred Myanmar’s military leadership from its summits while pushing for dialogue.
At his recent inauguration, Min Aung Hlaing said peace and reconciliation would be priorities and signalled a desire to rebuild ties with ASEAN, with Thailand backing renewed engagement.
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