Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s imprisoned former democracy leader, has been permitted to speak with her British son for the first time since the military coup that removed her from power more than five years ago. The phone call, disclosed by her son Kim Aris on social media, marks a rare moment of family contact amid her prolonged detention.

Kim Aris described the emotional conversation, saying hearing his mother’s voice after such a long period was deeply significant. However, he emphasized that a single call does not constitute regular family access, and stressed that Suu Kyi, now 81, remains unjustly detained. He warned against using her situation as leverage in diplomatic negotiations, sanctions discussions, or efforts to gain political advantage. Aris urged governments engaging with Myanmar’s military leaders to prioritize humanitarian rights over political legitimacy and called for the immediate release of Suu Kyi and all political prisoners.

Since the coup in February 2021, Myanmar’s military, led by commander Min Aung Hlaing, has faced widespread international condemnation and sanctions. Despite this, Min Aung Hlaing was declared civilian president following a widely criticised election last December. In recent months, he has conducted official visits to neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Thailand. Reports indicate that senior U.S. diplomats have also held discussions with Myanmar officials, reportedly focusing on securing access to the nation’s rare earth mineral resources.

The phone call coincided with Myanmar state media publishing a photograph of Suu Kyi receiving books sent by King Charles, an image seen as part of the military regime’s broader attempt to soften its international image. Kim Aris, who along with his brother Alexander, was a child when their mother began her political career, reiterated that genuine freedom and justice for Suu Kyi cannot be compromised for diplomatic ends.

Aung San Suu Kyi first rose to prominence as a leader of Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement in 1988 after leaving behind her family life as the wife of British academic Michael Aris. She has spent over two decades under various forms of detention. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 in recognition of her struggle for democracy, she has not been able to receive it personally; her sons collected the award on her behalf. Their father died in 1999 without having been allowed to visit her in Myanmar during her earlier house arrest.

Currently, Suu Kyi faces approximately 18 years in prison on charges including corruption and violation of the official secrets act. Human rights organizations and many Western governments reject the legitimacy of these charges, viewing them as politically motivated efforts by the military junta to neutralize her influence.