Myanmar's military junta has moved former leader Aung San Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest. They say it's because of the hot weather to prevent heatstroke among prisoners, especially elderly ones like Suu Kyi, who is 78, and President U Win Myint, 72. Both have been held since the military took control in February 2021, causing widespread conflict.

There have been worries about their health. Win Myint was treated for a disease last June, and Suu Kyi has serious gum disease, making it hard for her to eat. Suu Kyi has spent nearly 20 years under arrest since 1989. After the 2021 coup, she's been convicted of various charges, facing 27 years in prison.

The UN has called for her release, and her trials have been criticized for lack of transparency. Her son, Kim Aris, is concerned about her health and says her lawyers haven't been allowed to see her.

The Guardian quoted Aris as “nobody outside the prison has seen her for a long time”. In an interview with the Gurdian he claims, “now, being unable to eat puts her life at risk. Given how many people lose their lives in prison in Burma [Myanmar’s former name], this is of grave concern.”

A spokesperson for the opposition called for their release, saying it's better for them to be in houses than in prison but they should be freed unconditionally.

Reports of Suu Kyi being moved to house arrest have circulated before, but her son says she's still in prison.

The military is holding over 20,000 people, and they've been accused of using harsh tactics to suppress opposition. Despite this, they've suffered defeats recently, losing territory along the border and facing setbacks in Rakhine state.