Myanmar's Military Regime Snares Aung San Suu Kyi With New Corruption Allegations, Over Helicopter Leasing And Procurement

Aung San Suu Kyi. (Wikimedia Commons/C George)

JAKARTA - Myanmar's military regime has imposed new corruption charges against deposed Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint. These costs relate to the rental and purchase of helicopters for use in natural disaster management and state affairs, including rescue and emergencies.

On August 27, the military regime charged U Win Myat Aye with the same case. He served as Minister of Social Welfare, Aid and Resettlement under the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government.

The case claims that U Win Myat Aye harmed the state's finances, by not following the existing laws and financial regulations when renting and buying the helicopter.

U Win Myat Aye is now Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management for the parallel civilian National Unity Government, which was formed after the February 1 coup by the military regime.

On Tuesday evening, Myanmar's military regime-controlled state broadcaster announced that further investigation of the case had revealed that State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint granted permission for the leasing and purchase of helicopters as well without adhering to the laws and financial regulations imposed by the government.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint have now been charged under Article 55 of the Corruption Eradication Act, the offense of which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

The two leaders have been detained since the coup along with other senior NLD officials, and have faced numerous other cases.

Previously, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, 76, faced 11 charges with a possible prison sentence of more than 100 years. The cases include illegal possession of imported walkie-talkies, incitement, violation of COVID-19 restrictions, violation of the colonial-era Official Secrets Act and corruption cases.

Meanwhile, President U Win Myint is already facing two charges including alleged violation of COVID-19 restrictions and inciting public unrest. He and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi have denied all charges against them.

Regarding the Myanmar Coup, VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Civilian casualties continued to fall. Readers can follow news about Myanmar's military coup by tapping this link.