Myanmar witnessed a series of flower strikes and public demonstrations on June 19 to honor Aung San Suu Kyi’s 79th birthday. The former State Counselor has been detained since the military coup on February 1, 2021.
In Yangon, a young woman from the Octopus People’s Support Youth Organization staged a solo protest, holding a placard bearing “SUU” and a rose symbol. This act was part of a broader movement by Octopus to advocate for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, wishing her a long and prosperous life.
Moreover, four revolutionary groups in Yangon—the Linn Young Ni Youth Association (LYNYA), Kyimyindaing Networks (KMD 18), Mayangone Democratic Front (MDF), and Owl Community—donated over 200 umbrellas to children in commemoration of Aung San Suu Kyi’s birthday. An MDF official confirmed this gesture to Mizzima.
In Mandalay, the Anti-Coup Forces Coordination Committee (AFCC) organized flower strikes at key locations, including Mandalay Mountain, Sandamuni Pagoda, Eaintawyar Pagoda, and near Mandalay Moat. Participants carried papers and bouquets with messages such as “U Aung San’s daughter, be healthy.”
Authorities in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, arrested 22 people for posting pictures of themselves wearing flowers in their hair—a style long associated with Suu Kyi—reported Eleven Media, citing an anonymous official. Other local media indicated that around a dozen individuals were arrested in the central city for wearing flowers or praying with them publicly.
Similar flower strikes and demonstrations were reported in Kachin State, as well as Sagaing and Magway regions. Despite the risks, people across various regions demonstrated their support for Aung San Suu Kyi and their opposition to the military regime.
The junta has been actively arresting participants of these strikes, with military-backed Telegram channels encouraging such actions.
This Wednesday marked Aung San Suu Kyi’s fourth birthday in detention, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice and democracy in Myanmar.
