In Myanmar, a court sentenced the de facto head of government Aung San Suu Kyi to a further four years in prison. The 76-year-old was accused of importing and owning a radio and violating Corona regulations, as sources familiar with the court case reported on Monday. In connection with the radio, she is said to have disregarded telecommunications and import-export laws.
Since the trial is in camera, Suu Kyi’s reaction to the judgments is unknown. It is also unclear whether she will actually face a prison sentence or remain under house arrest. Suu Kyi was arrested in early February. The trial began in the capital, Naypyidaw, in mid-June.
The 76-year-old was found guilty on two other charges at the beginning of December and was initially sentenced to four years in prison. A few hours later, however, the military junta announced that it would shorten the sentence to two years. The judiciary has accused Suu Kyi of other offenses, including corruption. According to experts, she faces up to 100 years imprisonment.
Observers and human rights experts speak of a show trial and suspect that the junta wants to silence the popular politician in this way in the long term. Suu Kyi had been under house arrest for a total of 15 years. In 2016 she became the de facto head of government.
The Southeast Asian country has been falling into chaos since the coup. The junta suppresses all resistance with brutal violence. According to the prisoners’ aid organization AAPP, more than 1,400 people have already been killed and around 11,000 arrested. (SDA)