Myanmar’s former democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi turned 80 in military detention, cut off from the world and serving a 27-year sentence after the 2021 coup. Once a global symbol of democracy, Suu Kyi led Myanmar’s brief transition from military rule before being overthrown and jailed on charges ranging from corruption to Covid-19 violations.

Her son, Kim Aris, who has only heard from her once via letter in two years, is marking her birthday by running 80km and collecting over 80,000 video messages of support. However, Suu Kyi won’t see them, held in isolation in Naypyidaw while Myanmar remains locked in civil conflict.

Though still admired at home, her international image was tarnished before the coup for defending military actions against the Rohingya. Institutions that once honored her have since distanced themselves, and global attention to her plight has faded.

Suu Kyi, daughter of independence hero Aung San, rose to prominence in 1988 after returning to Myanmar and leading anti-junta protests. She endured 15 years under house arrest and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. Freed in 2010, she led the National League for Democracy to a historic win in 2015, though barred from the presidency.

Now, with the military promising elections likely to be boycotted, her future role remains uncertain. Aris believes if freed, she would step back from politics, as concerns about her health—including heart and bone issues—persist without clear updates from the junta.