The first prosecution evidence in three cases facing detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi began in a special Naypyitaw court on Monday, more than four months after her arrest following the February coup.
The court only heard testimonies without cross-examination from prosecution witnesses in the cases of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint.
Three cases, regarding possession of illegally imported walkie-talkies, violations of the Telecommunications Law and Natural Disaster Management Law, were heard for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and one charge under the Natural Disaster law was heard for President U Win Myint, according to her legal team.
Police Major Myint Naing and Pol. Maj. Kyi Lin filed the charges. “We didn’t have enough time to hear the prosecution witnesses so the hearing will continue next week,” said defense lawyer Daw Min Min Soe.
One case under the Natural Disaster law, alleging Daw Aung San Suu Kyi breached COVID-19 restrictions during last year’s election campaign, and sedition charges under Article 505 of the Penal Code against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Win Myint and Dr. Myo Aung, the ousted chairman of Naypyitaw Council, are due to be heard on Tuesday.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s lawyers were allowed to meet her for a third time on Monday since she was detained on Feb. 1.
The legal team issued a statement saying: “Daw Aung San Suu Kyi did not seem well but throughout the hearing she was interested and paid keen attention.”
They said they expect the trial to conclude by July 26, within six months of her arrest, because the five cases against her are “simple”.
Hearings are due every Monday and Tuesday.
The sixth charge, under the Official Secrets Act, was filed separately at the Yangon Eastern District Court and referred to the Union Supreme Court last month.
Last week, the junta brought a seventh charge against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi under the Anti-Corruption Law.
Following the takeover, the junta launched corruption probes, accusing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi of accepting cash and gold and abusing her authority and funds donated to her charitable foundation.
The 75-year-old could face at least 25 years’ imprisonment, meaning she would spend the rest of her life behind bars.
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