Supporters of Myanmar's imprisoned ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi commemorated her 79th birthday with flower-themed protests on Wednesday. Despite facing repression from the military government, demonstrators took to the streets in various regions of the country to honor Suu Kyi, who has been detained since February 1, 2021, following the army's seizure of power.
Currently, more than 20,600 individuals are detained for opposing military rule, as reported by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Pro-democracy street protests were held openly in regions not under military control, with participants carrying banners and images of Suu Kyi.
Since the military takeover in 2021, Myanmar has been in turmoil, with peaceful protests evolving into armed resistance and civil unrest. Despite the challenges, nonviolent demonstrations remain popular, often organized around themes like the flower strike.
In Tanintharyi, demonstrators displayed Suu Kyi's famous quote, 'The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear,' emphasizing the courage needed to resist dictatorship. Young people in major cities like Yangon and Mandalay also engaged in discreet protests, facing potential arrests by security forces.
While some individuals were reportedly detained for their involvement in the flower strike, the opposition's General Strike Coordination Body emphasized the unwavering spirit of the people against military oppression.
Amid the celebrations, Suu Kyi's son in London urged supporters to contribute to humanitarian aid campaigns in her honor, given her current situation of being unable to accept traditional birthday gifts. The National League for Democracy party, despite being dissolved by the military government, called for the release of all political prisoners, including Suu Kyi.
International support for Suu Kyi's release was evident, with Western embassies posting symbolic images on social media and advocating for the freedom of political detainees in Myanmar.
