Myanmar’s military-backed government released rare photos of detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday. It said officials had delivered books and letters from Britain’s King Charles.
According to the presidential spokesperson, the delivery included two books, The Land Gardeners: Soil to Table and Soil: The World at Our Feet. Officials also handed over a sealed envelope and an official diplomatic message from the King.
Suu Kyi, 81, has been detained since February 2021, when the military removed her government from power and arrested civilian leaders.
The delivery marks rare contact with someone outside Myanmar. Little information has been available about her health or where she is being held. No foreign leader or diplomat has publicly met with her since the coup, despite requests.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner was moved to house arrest in April this year. This followed an election held under military rule that made coup leader Min Aung Hlaing president.
In August, she met with a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross after years of concern about her health and wellbeing.
Suu Kyi is serving an 18-year sentence at a designated residence. She was convicted of several offences, including corruption, election fraud, breaking a state secrets law and encouraging unrest. She denies all the charges.
