Two new criminal charges have been filed against Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader ousted in a military coup in Myanmar. On the same day, Suu Kyi attended a court hearing from an undisclosed location. The military junta has been seen tightening its grip on Suu Kyi since security forces opened fire on her earlier in the day, killing at least 16 protesters.
The military overthrew the Suu Kyi government in a bloodless coup on February 1. Through this coup, the country's omnipotent power was seized by the army chief General Min Aung Hlaing. State Councilor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Mint were arrested. Suu Kyi has not been seen since. Where he is, how he is, the search did not match.
According to the BBC, citing local media in Myanmar, Suu Kyi joined the court hearing via video conference today. At that time he was looking 'quite healthy'. Suu Kyi wanted to meet with her lawyers. However, it is not clear where Suu Kyi was kept. According to various media reports, Suu Kyi has been detained at an undisclosed location in Nay Pyi Taw.
Soon after his arrest, the junta filed two criminal charges against Suu Kyi, 65, for possession of an unlicensed walkie-talkie and for violating a coronavirus ban during last year's election campaign. The country's veteran lawyer Khin Mong Jao is fighting for Suu Kyi in court. "We are not sure how many more cases will be filed against Aung San Suu Kyi at this time," Zhao told reporters in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. Anything can happen at this time. '
Lawyer Zhao said Suu Kyi had been charged with two counts of violating communications laws and inciting public discontent. Similar allegations have been made against ousted President Win Mint.
If convicted, Suu Kyi could face up to three years in prison. However, the punishment for the next two charges is not yet certain. However, it is known that if he is found guilty, he will not be able to stand for election in the future. The hearing of the case has been adjourned till March 15. Although Suu Kyi's popularity has risen in Myanmar since her arrest, her image in the international community is still tarnished as she has not taken any steps to stop the atrocities against the Rohingya minority.
Meanwhile, protests against the military rule have intensified across Myanmar. Security forces and protesters are now confronted in almost every city. Police in riot gear stormed a rally on Sunday, removing hundreds of protesters by truck. At least 21 people have been killed since anti-coup protests began. According to the non-profit Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 1,100 people have been detained.
There have been protests in various cities in Myanmar even today. In Yangon, protesters blocked the road with bamboo poles, sofas and tree trunks. The police fired on unarmed protesters shot in one place. It was made live on Facebook. AFP has confirmed the incident impartially. However, no casualties were reported.
International pressure is mounting on the junta government to crack down on peaceful protesters. UN Human Rights Office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani on Sunday condemned the crackdown on protesters and called for an immediate end to it. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has said that those involved in the crackdown on innocent people will be held accountable.
