Aung San Suu Kyi detained, Myanmar military takes power for one year

On February 1st, the National League for Democracy (NCD) declared that Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior figures had been detained, in an early morning raid by the Myanmar military after the military declared the November 2020 general election results were forged.

Myo Nyunt, a spokesman for the ruling National League for Democracy, said by phone that Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and other leaders were detained by Myanmar’s army. “I want to tell our people not to respond rashly and I want them to act according to the law.” TV channels, phone and internet communications were all spotty, making it hard to get details from the country.

Myanmar Visual Television and Myanmar Voice Radio posted on Facebook that it was not able to air due to technical issues.

On Monday, the lawmakers from Myanmar were expected to gather in the capital Naypyitaw for the first session of Parliament since last year’s election.

The developments set off a quick retaliation from the United States and Australia, both called for the release of detained NLD leaders and the return of democracy. A White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement: “The United States opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed.”

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne has also called for the release of Suu Kyi and others reported to have been detained. “We strongly support the peaceful reconvening of the National Assembly, consistent with the results of the November 2020 general election.”

The military is yet to release an official statement.

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