Ousted leader Suu Kyi goes on trial over ‘bogus’ charges

MYANMAR’S ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi has gone on trial on charges that many observers say are an attempt by the junta that deposed her to eliminate her as a political force and cement the military’s power.

Ms Suu Kyi’s prosecution poses yet another setback for Myanmar, which had been making slow progress towards democracy when a February coup prevented elected MPS from her National League for Democracy party from taking office following last year’s landslide victory. Human Rights Watch said that the allegations being heard in a special court in the capital, Naypyitaw, are “bogus and politically motivated” with the intention of nullifying the victory and preventing Ms Suu Kyi from running for office again.

The trial against Ms Suu Kyi is behind closed doors. She has been charged with illegally importing walkie-talkies for her bodyguards’ use, unlicensed use of the radios and spreading information that could cause public alarm or unrest, as well as allegedly breaking Covid restrictions, her lawyers said.