Myanmar’s military regime on Tuesday sentenced the ousted Karen State Chief Minister Daw Nan Khin Htwe Myint to 75 years in prison and former municipal minister U Than Naing to 90 years in prison, according to their lawyers.
The junta filed five corruption charges against the deposed chief minister, handing her 15 years for each count. U Than Naing faced six charges and thus received 90 years.
“They were given the maximum sentences. They have no plans to appeal. They had expected this and were not shocked,” said U Aung Thein, the lawyer for Daw Nan Khin Htwe Myint.
Daw Nan Khin Htwe Myint, who is also on the central executive committee of the National League for Democracy, was arrested on February 1 following the military’s coup. The 67-year-old was then released but re-arrested a week later, after she posted a video online in which she called on soldiers to defend the people and unite with the general public.
The regime filed complaints against Daw Nan Khin Htwe Myint and U Than Naing in April, accusing them of violating tender and financial regulations related to infrastructure development projects in Karen State in southeastern Myanmar.
It accused Daw Nan Khin Htwe Myint of misappropriating regional development funds to cover medical costs for her injuries sustained in a car accident in 2017. U Than Naing was accused of receiving bribes from businessmen to pay for medical treatment in Thailand and for electoral campaign costs ahead of the 2020 general election.
In May, the pair were also sentenced to two years in prison for incitement along with former Karen State ministers U Bo Bo Wai Maung, U Min Ko Khaing and Khun Myo Tint.
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