Myanmar’s ousted former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been transferred from prison to another location.

The move was prompted by concern for the 78-year-old’s health, given the high temperatures in the capital, Naypyidaw, where Ms Suu Kyi was being held.

Local media cited military junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun as reported.

It was not certain whether she had been taken to another prison or transferred to house arrest.

The junta had not informed Ms Suu Kyi’s lawyers of the plan or her new location, a source close to the prison authorities told dpa.

In addition to Ms Suu Kyi, former President Win Myint, who had been detained in a prison about 100 kilometres south of the capital, has also been transferred.

The military junta announced earlier on Wednesday that more than 3,000 prisoners were also released on the occasion of the Thingyan New Year festival.

The army ousted and arrested the democratically elected de facto head of government, Ms Suu Kyi, following a coup in February 2021.

A court controlled by the junta later sentenced her to a total of 33 years in prison for numerous alleged crimes.

Mr Win Myint was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

In 2023, the military junta reduced Ms Suu Kyi’s sentence by six years and Mr Win Myint’s sentence by four years.

Myanmar plunged into chaos and violence following the army’s takeover.

The junta is coming under increasing political and military pressure, with rebel groups involved in violent resistance against its rule. 

(dpa/NAN)