Suu Kyi in Myanmar Junta Court in Prison Uniform to Face Corruption Charges
By The Irrawaddy 17 December 2021
Myanmar’s ousted State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court in Naypyitaw in prison uniform – a white top and brown longyi – on Friday.
The junta handed the Nobel peace laureate a four-year sentence on December 6 on charges of sedition and breaching COVID-19 regulations. President U Win Myint was sentenced to four years and Naypyitaw council chairman Dr. Myo Aung to two years.
The junta halved the sentences given to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint later that day.
“She appeared in court in a white blouse and brown longyi, unlike her normal clothes. She also wore an overcoat as it was cold,” a court source said, adding that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was not handcuffed and was not wearing her normal earring and watch.
The 76-year-old civilian leader faces around a dozen, including five for alleged corruption.
Dr. Myo Aung also appeared at the court in prison uniform of a white shirt and blue longyi, according to sources.
They said the clothing came from the prison authorities.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was reportedly calm and brave during the Friday hearing to face corruption charges in which the junta accused her of obtaining rental properties below the market rate in Yangon for the headquarters of the Daw Khin Kyi Foundation, which she chairs. It is named after her late mother.
Yangon Region’s chief minister U Phyo Min Thein and transport minister Daw Ni Lar Kyaw were called as prosecution witnesses. Both have also been detained since the Feb. 1 coup.
A court source said both witnesses told the court that the foundation paid a rate fixed by the Department of Urban and Housing Development.
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