Myanmar’s detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has denied two charges that she allegedly breached COVID-19 restrictions during last November’s general election campaign.
After Myanmar’s military detained her during the Feb. 1 coup, the 76-year-old has been under house arrest and now faces 11 charges, including the possession of imported walkie-talkies, sedition, the alleged violation of COVID-19 restrictions and corruption.
She is facing up to 102 years in prison.
On Tuesday, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi told the court that she “didn’t commit the offense” when she was asked why she pleaded not guilty, according to the source.
The defense lawyer cross-examined three witnesses: complainant U Nyi Nyi, prosecution witness U Wai Lwin Oo and investigation officer Lieutenant Colonel Than Aye.
The two charges under Article 25 of the Natural Disaster Management Law refer to when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi waved at a campaign convoy of National League for Democracy supporters passing her residence in Naypyitaw.
These cases are heard every Monday and Tuesday at the special court in Zabuthiri, Naypyitaw.
She said she followed COVID-19 restrictions when the convoy passed her home.
On Tuesday, Naypyitaw Council chairman Dr. Myo Aung testified regarding the sedition charge against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and himself. The judge said the next hearing would be on Nov. 16.
Sources said both Dr. Myo Aung and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi testified that the accusations against them over NLD central executive committee statements from mid-February were irrelevant as they were detained on Feb. 1.
The Nobel peace laureate also gave testimony at last week’s hearing.
The details of their trials are no longer publicized as the junta issued a gagging order on her legal team, preventing them from speaking to the media after U Win Myint’s details of the Feb. 1 coup were reported.
The ousted president testified last month that the military threatened to force him to resign during the coup. His testimony made headlines globally as it was seen as confirming the illegality of the military takeover.
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