Myanmar’s president Min Aung Hlaing has ordered a reduction of prison sentences by one-sixth for all inmates, a move that will further shorten the jail term of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
A source close to Suu Kyi confirmed that the 80-year-old former leader will also receive the reduction, although the exact length of her remaining sentence remains unclear.
“We also do not know exactly how many years she has left,” the source said, requesting anonymity for security reasons.
Suu Kyi has remained in detention since the military ousted her elected government in a coup in 2021. Authorities later filed multiple charges against her, which rights groups say were politically motivated, triggering a prolonged civil conflict in the country.
Min Aung Hlaing has led Myanmar since the coup, first as military chief. He was sworn in as civilian president earlier this month following an election that excluded Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD).
Democracy observers have described the process as a continuation of military rule under a civilian guise. They have also dismissed recent easing measures as symbolic steps aimed at improving the government’s image.
In a statement, the presidential office said the sentence reduction applies to all prisoners to mark a public holiday. It did not mention any individuals by name.
Suu Kyi was convicted in a series of closed-door trials and initially received a sentence exceeding 30 years on charges including corruption and violations of Covid-19 regulations. A partial pardon in 2023 reduced her sentence to 27 years.
Earlier this month, Min Aung Hlaing issued a similar order cutting prison terms, which also shortened Suu Kyi’s sentence.
He also pardoned her close aide Win Myint, who served as president during her tenure, raising speculation that further relief for Suu Kyi may follow.
Despite her continued popularity in Myanmar, Suu Kyi has remained largely isolated in detention. Her family has expressed concern over her declining health.
