At least four people have been arrested by Myanmar’s military junta for posting birthday messages on social media for detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who turned 80 on June 19, according to local investigations.
One of those arrested was Hnin Phyu, also known as Hnaung Hnaung, a 39-year-old employee of the junta’s Information Ministry, who was detained on June 21 at her home in Myanmar Radio and Television staff housing in Naypyitaw’s Tatkon Township, according to junta media. The three others are civilians from Mandalay.
Posting under the name “August Hnin,” she wrote, “Happy Birthday Mother Suu, may you live long and be free from illness, surrounded by loved ones and far from the suffering of separation. May you encounter only good people.”
Hnin Phyu is being held at the Tatkon Township police station. Her current condition remains unknown.
In Mandalay, junta authorities arrested another woman and two men at their homes after they posted birthday messages for Aung San Suu Kyi, accusing them of incitement and attempting to disrupt national peace and stability.
Phyo Nyi Nyi and Saw Hla Naing, both from Pyigyitagon Township in Mandalay, were arrested around noon on June 19 for allegedly posting birthday messages on TikTok. That evening, Htay Htay Maw, a 39-year-old gem broker from Mandalay’s Chanmyathazi Township, was also detained for similar posts, according to local residents.
“Daw Htay Htay Maw posted a video wearing a traditional Myanmar dress with roses, wishing [Aung San Suu Kyi] well on Mother Suu’s birthday,” a 30-year-old man from Chanmyathazi told Myanmar Now.
“They came and arrested her, calling it political incitement. The two men were also arrested for posting similar TikTok videos. The arrests are meant to intimidate people, but the answer is clear. There’s also jealousy involved.”
Hnin Phyu, also known as Hnaung Hnaung (left) (Photo: Supplied)
On Aung San Suu Kyi’s 80th birthday, activists called for symbolic flower-themed tributes—including offerings to Buddha, decorations, and a “flower strike”—to honor the detained leader.
Meanwhile, junta supporters urged the public to report anyone sharing birthday wishes, warning that legal action could follow.
Despite the risk of arrest, many continue to send birthday wishes to Aung San Suu Kyi each year. This year saw not only online tributes, but also birthday donations, with several prominent celebrities joining in on social media.
The junta has been making arrests related to her birthday not only in Naypyitaw and Mandalay, but also in other areas.
On June 19, Aung San Suu Kyi’s 80th birthday, well-wishes poured in from ethnic resistance leaders, spokespeople of armed groups, foreign embassies, and ordinary citizens, all expressing hopes for her good health.
As part of the “Suu 80 Birthday Campaign,” activists collected over 100,000 birthday messages and planned to submit them to Guinness World Records for the most birthday wishes ever received by an individual.
After the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, Aung San Suu Kyi was arrested, charged with multiple offenses, and has been sentenced to lengthy prison terms.
“They arrest people every year,” the same source told Myanmar Now. “If the love for Daw Suu diminished with each arrest, everyone knows there could be danger, but they continue doing it anyway. This is proof that the love is not diminishing, but increasing.”
