Myanmar's former de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is being denied outside medical care for an illness her son describes as "urgent." The former leader and current political prisoner was placed under house arrest in July, where she is being treated by a prison doctor.
“As far as I know, she is unable to eat due to gum disease and potential problems with her wisdom teeth. Given her age, this, coupled with the vomiting and dizziness, gives rise to serious concerns about her general poor health and treatment,” said Michael Aris, Suu Kyi's British-born son. “My mother’s condition requires urgent medical attention. A request for urgent medical care was made by the prison authorities themselves, I believe this was refused further up the chain. (ABC)
“Denying a sick prisoner access to recommended medical care is senseless and cruel. Aris added: “Anyone who suffers from gum disease so painful that they are unable to eat obviously has their entire health at risk if they are denied proper treatment. (ABC)
Sources close to Suu Kyi reportedly said she had long suffered from chronic gum disease and low blood pressure, and that the gum problems had worsened in recent years.
In 2015, his party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), won a landslide electoral victory in Myanmar. However, Suu Kyi was not constitutionally permitted to assume the country's highest office as president, so members of her party created the de facto ruling role of Myanmar's state counselor, which she occupied until February 1, 2021.
After her party won the 2020 elections again, the Myanmar military staged a coup, arresting Suu Kyi and other senior party officials. Suu Kyi has since been arrested on several charges.
The coup sparked widespread protests demanding Suu Kyi's freedom and the restoration of democracy across the country. More than 4 civilians have been killed in clashes with the government and another 000 people, including Buddhist monks, have been detained, according to human rights groups.
Former NLD representative Bo Bo Oo argued that Suu Kyi should be allowed to receive treatment. “When it comes to certain health problems related to ears, eyes, bones and dental diseases, only competent specialist clinics can provide sufficient medical treatment,” he said. “She needs proper treatment at a dental hospital. » (Radio Asia Libre)
Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG), a political party created by the remnants of the now-disbanded National League for Democracy and its allies, has said the military is responsible for health care and Suu Kyi's safety as a political detainee.
NUG spokesperson Kyaw Zaw said: “The international community should pressure the junta to ensure health care and safety for all political detainees, including Aung San Suu Kyi. » (Bangkok Post)
Western governments and the United Nations condemned the coup and demanded the immediate release of Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.
Aris said, “I hope the military relents and allows him to see his personal dentist and doctor.” Otherwise, I'm afraid she won't live much longer, because if she's unable to eat, food is life. (ABC)
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