BANGKOK — A group of 134 current and former parliamentarians from 11 countries has called on ASEAN and its member states to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Myanmar’s detained civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and all political prisoners held by the military junta.
In an open letter dated 19 June, the lawmakers urged ASEAN leaders to press Myanmar’s military authorities to release political detainees, provide independent access to verify Suu Kyi’s wellbeing, and advance an inclusive political dialogue in line with ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus.
The letter, organised by ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, was signed by parliamentarians from Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
The lawmakers said concerns remained over Suu Kyi’s condition after reports that she was transferred from prison to house arrest at an undisclosed location in Naypyitaw in April. They called for proof of life and unrestricted access for her family, legal counsel and an independent medical team.
According to the letter, more than 22,000 political prisoners remain detained in Myanmar following the military coup of 1 February 2021, while thousands have been killed in the ensuing conflict.
