Aung San Suu Kyi loses London ‘Honorary Freedom’ award

15 September 2019
Aung San Suu Kyi loses London ‘Honorary Freedom’ award
Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi. Photo: Nyein Chan Naing/EPA

Elected Members of the City of London Corporation’s Court of Common Council at Guildhall this week voted to suspend the Honorary Freedom for Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s State Counsellor, according to a press release.

The Honorary Freedom was awarded to Aung San Suu Kyi in May 2017, in recognition of her ‘non-violent struggle over many years for democracy and her steadfast dedication to create a society where people can live in peace, security and freedom’.

Sir David Wootton, who chairs the Freedom Applications Committee, said that the City Corporation condemned the humanitarian abuses carried out in Burma, and that the suspension, which is unprecedented in the City Corporation’s history, reflects its unhappiness with events in Burma and the position of the Civilian Government, according to the press release from the City of London.

Sir David, who recommended suspension of her award, told the Court that the City Corporation had attempted to communicate with Aung San Suu Kyi on three separate occasions, but had received no response.