August 10, 2024

Sub-Inspector Cherry Htet, who served as a close bodyguard to State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, was supposed to be released today from prison after completing her sentence. However, the military junta has reportedly extended her detention for an additional 11 days, despite her scheduled release.

Cherry Htet was initially arrested on September 23, 2021, by the junta and sentenced to two years under the Police Disciplinary Act and an additional three years under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for incitement. Her family members had gone to Myitkyina Prison to receive her on her release date, only to find out that she would not be released as planned.

The reasons for her continued detention remain unclear, with some reports suggesting that prison authorities disagreed with her release on the scheduled date, leading to the extension of her imprisonment.

Sub-Inspector Cherry Htet was responsible for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s security up until the military coup on February 1, 2021. She was later arrested while Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was under house arrest, leading to her imprisonment under various charges.