JOIN USThe Nobel laureate and daughter of the country’s independence hero was released on Saturday after seven years in detention but many are concerned her freedom could be short-lived if the country’s oppressive army rulers decide to wield their power.
“I’m very worried about her security,” said Soe Myint, a taxi driver in Myanmar’s biggest city, Yangon.
“If something happens to her, they will be responsible for this,” he added, referring to the army regime that has ruled the former British colony for 48 years. In a country where distrust of the military runs deep, her supporters would have every reason to be concerned. Suu Kyi’s motorcade was attacked in May 2003 by pro-junta thugs in the town of Depayin while on a countryside tour. She was placed back under house arrest, which the regime called “protective custody”.
Suu Kyi has spent 15 of the past 21 years in some form of detention because of her fight against military dictatorship in Myanmar and there is little doubt the junta sees her as the biggest threat to its power.
“The Depayin incident is still haunting us,” said Hla Thein, a retired teacher. “To be honest, I doubt we can expect any meaningful changes following her release but we are all worried about her.”