July 19, 2024

On the 77th Martyrs’ Day, celebrated on July 19, 2024, the ruling junta denied Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been unjustly imprisoned since the military coup on February 1, 2021, the opportunity to attend the ceremony. Additionally, she was not allowed to send a tribute wreath as the daughter of General Aung San.

For four consecutive years, the junta has barred the national leader and State Counsellor from participating in the Martyrs’ Day ceremony. This year, she was also prevented from sending a wreath to honor her father, General Aung San.

Today, her elder brother, U Aung San Oo, attended the ceremony and personally placed the tribute wreath.

The ceremony saw attendance from a senior military officer representing the junta. Since the military takeover, the Martyrs’ Day ceremonies have been conducted with reduced prominence.

At precisely 10:37 AM, the time of the martyrdom of General Aung San and his colleagues, Yangon observed a moment of silence. Unlike previous years, there were no loud honking or outcries; however, pedestrians and vehicles on the streets paused for a minute in solemn remembrance.