Myanmar leader says he has been ‘extremely lenient’ towards Suu Kyi: Report

Ayeyarwaddy Times, September 24, 2021 Min Aung Hlaing, the junta leader who seized power in the February 2021 coup, stated in an interview on September 23 that he has been "extremely lenient" towards Aung San Suu Kyi, who was arrested during the coup. In an interview with Time magazine, based in the United States, Min Aung Hlaing said, "I have been extremely lenient towards her." He also stated that he had tried his best to prevent the current situation from occurring. Min Aung Hlaing staged a coup and overthrew the democratic government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, citing electoral fraud in the 2020 general election. Human rights organizations point out that Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained on various charges to force the military to return power. Min Aung Hlaing retired as Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services after the military-held elections in April last year and transitioned to a civilian president. These elections were criticized by human rights groups as a "farce," and analysts believe the new government is merely a puppet of the military. Although Min Aung Hlaing is making diplomatic efforts to end Myanmar's isolation, the international community is concerned about the health of the 81-year-old Aung San Suu Kyi. Regarding the issue of pardoning Aung San Suu Kyi, Min Aung Hlaing said, "It depends on her," but hinted that the situation could change. As an attempt to gain international recognition, Min Aung Hlaing ordered Aung San Suu Kyi's transfer from prison to house arrest in Naypyidaw in April last year. Analysts believe that Min Aung Hlaing is trying to engage with the international community by showing the possibility of reducing Aung San Suu Kyi's sentence. Min Aung Hlaing told Time magazine that there are various standards, such as American democracy and European democracy, and that he will implement a democratic system that is compatible with Myanmar's culture.