Legal proceedings against Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi

Key Takeaways:

• Myanmar’s former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was sentenced to four years in jail term on Monday.
• The first verdict in a slew of cases brought against her since she was deposed in a military coup on February 1.

The junta has a tight grip on information regarding the behind-closed-doors judicial processes, and Suu Kyi’s legal team has been placed under a gag order.’

Based on information available to Reuters, the following is a summary of the cases against Suu Kyi. Suu Kyi, 76, has vehemently denied all charges.

Intent to incite, then her party sent a letter to international organizations in February requesting that they not recognize the military government. A two-year prison sentence was imposed.

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Coronavirus infringement during her party’s election campaign in September 2020. A two-year jail sentence was imposed. A second case is still pending.

Possession of unlicensed walkie-talkies and a set of signal jammers in February. In one case, the maximum sentence is three years in jail article 67 of the Telecommunications Act. In one case, the maximum sentence is one year in jail.

Obtaining, gathering, recording, publishing, or disseminating secret information that could be useful to an adversary (Official Secrets Act). In one case, the maximum sentence is 14 years in prison.

Prosecution for “electoral fraud and unlawful conduct” (status unclear).

Anti-corruption law violations (Sections 55, 63). Each of the six cases carries a maximum of 15 years in prison.

Among the allegations are:

• Using funds from the Daw Khin Kyi Foundation, which Suu Kyi chaired, to build a home; and
  leasing government-owned land at a reduced rate.
• Accepting $600,000 in bribes and 11.4 kg of gold bars.
• Misapplication of state funds for the rental and purchase of a helicopter.

Source: Indianexpress News