Current Affairs

Issue

Aung San Suu Kyi, the ousted leader of Myanmar has been sentenced to 4 years in jail by a special court for incitement and violating Coronavirus restrictions.

 

Background

Suu Kyi is under house-arrest since the civilian government was removed through a coup by the military junta.

 

Details

These judgments were first among several charges faced by the 76-year old Nobel Peace Prize winner. She can face a maximum imprisonment of 102 years for charges.

 

The charges

• The charge of incitement was levied based on statements made on Facebook pages of Suu Kyi’s party. It happened after Suu Kyi was detained by military.

• Any person who spreads false or inflammatory information that could disturb public order could be held liable under the law.

• Suu Kyi and her lawyers argue that she was already in detention and thus could not be held liable for posts that criticized the government.

• The charges of Covid-19 protocol violation stems from the time when Suu Kyi waved to her supporters from vehicle, while wearing a face mask and face shield.

 

Other cases against Suu Kyi

• Other charges against Suu Kyi include alleged acceptance of bribes and abusing her power for favourable property deals.

• She is also charged for violating the Official Secrets Act and also alleged use of unlicensed walkie-talkies by her security guards.

• Another corruption charge accuses her and Win Myint of corruption in granting permits to rent and buy a helicopter.

 

Protests

• There have been protests across Myanmar, demanding Suu Kyi’s release. Anti-military protests have been taking place in Yangon against the overthrow of the elected government.

• The Junta has been accusing Suu Kyi of winning elections through a massive voter fraud, which was rejected by Election Commission and international observers.