The Myanmar Military Information Office stated in a report that “Soe Win (74 years old) passed away in a military hospital in the capital, Naypyitaw, this morning,” without providing further details. Soe Win became the acting president on February 1, 2021, after the military arrested former president Win Myint and Myanmar’s leader when the military seized power. Soe Win, a member of a pro-military party, assumed the presidency under the constitution because he held the position of the first vice president. However, legal experts questioned the legitimacy of this move since Win Myint did not resign from his position.
State media reported in July of last year that “Soe Win was suffering from neurological disorders, which made him unable to perform ordinary daily activities, including eating.” According to the media, General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, was authorized to take over presidential duties during Soe Win’s medical leave.
In early February 2022, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and other senior members of the National League for Democracy Party were arrested. Hundreds of protesters against the military coup have been killed since that date.
