Suu Kyi’s son says transfer ‘not freedom’, seeks proof she is alive

The son of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has called for proof that she is alive and her release, after reports emerged she has been moved from prison to an undisclosed location.

Kim Aris issued a statement on April 30, when news of her reported transfer was made public.

His remarks came before images and possible video were released by Myanmar’s military authorities, appearing to show Suu Kyi seated with government officials.

Reacting to reports that her sentence had been reduced and that she had been transferred to a so-called “designated home,” Aris said the move should not be seen as progress.

“Moving her from a prison to a secret location does not mean freedom,” he said, adding that authorities have not disclosed where she is being held and that she remains cut off from the outside world and under the control of those detaining her.

Aris also questioned the significance of any sentence reduction, saying it does not change the fact that she still faces nearly two decades in detention, and suggested that the timing of the announcement, following remarks by the Chinese government on her status, may be an attempt to ease international pressure and create the impression of change.

“I have received no information from any authorised source. I still do not know where my mother is. I do not know how she is,” he said.

He added that he remains deeply concerned about whether she is still alive and called for proof of life.

Aris said the lack of transparency only deepens concerns that information about her condition is being withheld.

He also pointed to the broader situation in Myanmar, where thousands of political prisoners remain in detention, leaving families in uncertainty.

He urged the international community not to view the latest developments as meaningful reform, calling instead for verified information, full transparency and the unconditional release of all political detainees.

“As a son, my request is simple. I want to know that my mother is alive. I want to be able to communicate with her. I want to see her free,” he said.