Suu Kyi speaks to son after six years

20 minutes. That is the total duration of the phone call that former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi had with her son on Thursday. It marks their first direct conversation since the military seized power in 2021, ending nearly six years of silence between the Nobel Peace Prize winner and her family.

The conversation was arranged through Myanmar's Embassy in London, according to Khaing Khaing Soe, a spokesperson for the military-backed president. Soe shared photographs of the two on social media. Suu Kyi, 81, was first sentenced in 2021. Consecutive trials through 2022 resulted in a total sentence of 33 years for corruption and electoral fraud. The sentence was later reduced to 18 years.

Kim Aris, a 49-year-old carpenter based in London, described the call in an interview. He said his mother's first words were a question about his health. She reported that she is alive and well. Aris noted that hearing her voice provided reassurance after a long period of uncertainty.

Aris learned that his mother is held at a residence near Naypyidaw, the capital. He believes police and military personnel surround the building. He described the location as fenced off with a scrubby garden. He stated that she is essentially in solitary confinement. She can read books but does not have access to radio, television, or newspapers.

Health concerns remain a priority for the family. Aris said his mother sounded strong but suffers from tendonitis in her hand. She told him she receives a medical checkup every six months. Aris is planning to send a care package that includes healthy food and treats. He is considering Ben's Cookies, a brand from Oxford, England, where Suu Kyi raised her two sons.

Aris believes the military monitored the call, limiting topics to avoid sensitive issues like the civil war. He views the contact as an image-building move for President Min Aung Hlaing, who travels abroad seeking legitimacy. Hlaing installed himself after a military-engineered election in January. The civil war has killed about 100,000 people, according to the monitoring group ACLED. The U.N. reports that millions have been displaced.

The U.S. State Department remains concerned about those it considers unjustly detained. In August, its Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs called for Suu Kyi's immediate and unconditional release. Aris said the call may be a one-off. He noted that his mother believes sharing her experience gives the people of Burma strength.