Supporters Mark Suu Kyi’s 80th with Record-Breaking Tribute

[geovalin]

The Irrawaddy

 

Thousands of supporters of Myanmar’s imprisoned former leader Aung San Suu Kyi marked her 80th birthday on Thursday with a global outpouring of solidarity—smashing a world record in the process.

 

Over 103,000 video messages were submitted as part of a campaign to honour Suu Kyi, far surpassing the previous Guinness World Record of 32,207 birthday greetings. Organisers had initially aimed for 80,000 to reflect her milestone age.

 

The campaign, led by activists including Kalo Say Htoo, was both a personal tribute and a pointed act of resistance. As Suu Kyi remains behind bars—convicted on multiple charges widely seen as politically motivated—her image continues to symbolise Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement.

 

Suu Kyi was ousted in the February 2021 military coup and is currently serving a 27-year sentence. Despite her silence, her global influence endures. “Her voice may be silenced, but her flame will never be extinguished,” said her son, Kim Aris, in a statement from London. He pledged to run 80 kilometres in her honour, urging others to mark the day with their own “80-themed” tributes.

 

Demonstrations were also held across Myanmar in areas outside military control, with civilians carrying cakes, red roses, and banners calling for her release and national liberation. Photos shared on social media showed peaceful gatherings in Kachin State, Sagaing, Mandalay, and other regions.

 

Western embassies added their voices, posting red rose images and renewing calls for Suu Kyi’s release alongside other political prisoners.

 

Meanwhile, concern for her wellbeing has grown after reports emerged suggesting she suffered an injury during Myanmar’s powerful earthquake in March. A joint statement by the Suu Foundation and law firm Zimeray & Finelle called for transparency on her condition and access to medical care.

 

More than 6,800 civilians have reportedly died since the military takeover, as Myanmar remains locked in a brutal struggle for democracy. Yet, Thursday’s global gesture for Suu Kyi served as a potent reminder: for many, she still represents the heart of that fight.

 

-2025-06-20