‘Illegal mudslinging’

… lawyer rejects ‘groundless’ corruption claims against Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi

YANGON - Aung San Suu Kyi’s lawyer yesterday rejected junta allegations of corruption against Myanmar’s deposed civilian leader as “groundless,” calling it “illegal mudslinging” by the generals who seized power from her.

The country has been in uproar since a February 1 putsch that saw Suu

Kyi ousted, detained and accused of several criminal charges, including owning unlicensed walkie-talkies and violating coronavirus restrictions.

On Thursday, a junta spokesperson made new corruption accusations against her, saying a nowdetained chief minister had admitted giving her $600, 000 and more than 10 kilograms of gold.

Her lawyer Khin Maung

Zaw told AFP: This allegation against Daw

Aung San Suu Kyi, the state counsellor, is groundless, especially regarding the dollars and gold bars – it is the most hilarious joke of all.

“I’ve never seen such an illegal mudslinging.”

The veteran human rights lawyer – who in the past went up against Suu Kyi’s administration in defending two journalists reporting on the Rohingya crisis – said he has his differences with her.

“She may have her defects, but bribery and corruption aren’t her traits,” he said.

The Nobel laureate has also been accused of violating a communications law and of intent to incite public unrest.

A hearing is scheduled for March 15, but so far

Khin Maung Zaw has not been able to have a private meeting with his client.