Aung San Suu Kyi, once the de facto leader of the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government in Myanmar, turns 78 today.
The Nobel laureate had always enjoyed the good will of most of the nation and this will be the first time in decades that she will back in captivity on her birthday.
Unless the status quo changes, she is likely to spend most of the rest of her days in prison, as she was sentenced to at least 33 years.
In the past days there have been campaigns on social media to show support to Aung San Suu Kyi. For example, as she is known for wearing flowers in her hair, people have been encouraged to wear flowers in a sign of solidarity.
Local news media report that, in rural areas where the military government’s authority is more contested, columns of protesters marched to show support for the ex-State Counsellor.
Myanmar Now reports that 40 women have been arrested by security forces in the Kale Township in the Sagaing Region.
Locals say that security forces are actively looking for anyone wearing flowers in their hair, particularly red roses. Flower vendors have also been warned repeatedly by the police not to open up shop or sell certain types of flowers.
Myanmar remains mired in a post-coup economic and political stalemate, as battles continue to be waged involving the current military-led government and the parallel National Unity Government.
On June 19th, there were at least three bomb blasts in Yangon, despite an increased security presence, with at least one targeting a police station.
