Suu Kyi isolated in rat-infested prison 3 years after Myanmar takeover

Fallen icon's absence undermines efforts to unite fractured nation

20240130 Aung San Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's first civilian leader in over 50 years, was often simply called "The Lady" after the military confined her to home for 15 years. (Photo by Wataru Ito) 

DOMINIC FAULDER, Nikkei Asia associate editor

BANGKOK -- Thursday marks the third anniversary of Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing's unconsolidated takeover of Myanmar, which removed from power his perceived nemesis, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, the elected head of government and most unifying political figure in the country's history.

After 1,095 days, Suu Kyi remains in solitary confinement in a prison on the southwestern edge of Naypyitaw, the capital and military central command. Her only respite was a short period last year during which she met Thailand's former foreign minister, Don Pramudwinai, and also had her sentence reduced from 33 to 27 years.

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