Indicted By Myanmar's Military Regime, Aung San Suu Kyi And President Win Myint Deny Violating COVID-19 Restrictions

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

JAKARTA - Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi and former President Win Myint pleaded not guilty Monday to violating COVID-19 restrictions, their lawyers said, after being formally indicted by a court under Myanmar's military regime.

11, both Suu Kyi and Win Myint were each charged with two counts under the Disaster Management Act for not complying with pandemic restrictions during last year's election campaign. Each count carries a sentence of up to three years in prison.

Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won last November's election by a landslide, but was unable to take a second five-year term, when the military seized power on February 1. Aung San Suu Kyi and leading members of her government and party have been in detention ever since.

Myanmar's military says it acted because of widespread voter fraud, a statement for which there is little evidence. The takeover was met with massive popular resistance, which continued despite deadly repression by security forces.

A special court in the capital Naypyitaw also tried Suu Kyi for illegally importing walkie-talkies and unauthorized use of radios, as well as incitement, spreading false information, or inciting public order.

Suu Kyi, Win Myint, and the former mayor of Naypyitaw, Myo Aung, late last month pleaded not guilty to sedition, and are expected to be charged next week in connection with the radio.

An indictment allows the trial to proceed to a second phase, after the court hears the plaintiff's case and determines that it is appropriate. The defense can then present its case.

Suu Kyi's supporters and independent analysts say the accusations are an attempt to discredit her and legitimize the Myanmar military regime's seizure of power.

Suu Kyi also faces corruption charges in a separate trial that recently began, an offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Not only that, he will soon be tried for violating the Official Secrets Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.

Judges at Monday's Court session rejected a request from 76-year-old Suu Kyi to hold hearings every two weeks instead of every week. Suu Kyi said it would take the pressure off her health from so many trial dates.

"She's getting tired of weekly appointments. Lawyers are tired too. That's why it's recommended to do it every two weeks. But the judge doesn't allow it," said lawyer Kyi Win.

Myanmar Coup. The VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Casualties from civilians continue to fall. Readers can follow the news covering the Myanmar military coup by clicking this link.