NEW DELHI: Myanmar’s military-backed government has again reduced the prison sentence of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, marking the second commutation within two weeks as part of a broader amnesty.

According to reports, Suu Kyi’s sentence was cut by one-sixth, leaving her with just over 18 years remaining from an original term of 33 years handed down after a series of controversial trials following the 2021 military coup.

The latest reduction comes under a nationwide prisoner amnesty, which also shortened sentences for many inmates and released over a thousand prisoners.

This is the second such reduction in April 2026, following an earlier New Year amnesty that had already cut her term from 27 years.

Suu Kyi, now 80, remains in detention at an undisclosed location and has had no recent access to her legal team or family.

Suu Kyi has been detained since the 2021 military coup led by Min Aung Hlaing, which overthrew her elected government. She was later convicted on multiple charges—including corruption and election fraud—widely criticized by supporters and international observers as politically motivated.

The sentence reductions come amid growing international pressure, including calls from ASEAN and global rights groups, urging Myanmar’s authorities to release political prisoners and begin reconciliation efforts.

However, analysts say the repeated commutations may be largely symbolic, as Suu Kyi remains imprisoned and the country continues to face political unrest and civil conflict.

Despite the reduced sentence, there is no indication of imminent release, and her health, whereabouts, and legal situation remain unclear.

Myanmar’s latest move trims Aung San Suu Kyi’s prison term further, but falls short of demands for her freedom, highlighting the ongoing political stalemate since the 2021 coup.