Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi could hear final verdicts in junta trial next week
- Nobel laureate has already been found guilty on 14 charges and sentenced to 26 years in prison, though ‘unlikely’ the junta will press any more charges, observer says
- There may also be a ‘possibility of an unexpected pardon and release’ for Suu Kyi once her trial ends, analyst notes
The Nobel laureate, 77, has already been found guilty on 14 charges ranging from corruption to illegally importing walkie-talkies and breaching the official secrets act.
Since her trial began she has been seen only once – in grainy state media photos from a bare courtroom – and has been reliant on lawyers to relay messages to the world.
Many in Myanmar’s democracy struggle she has dominated for decades have abandoned her core principle of non-violence, with “People’s Defence Forces” clashing regularly with the military across the country.
The nation has been in turmoil since generals seized power last year and deposed Suu Kyi’s civilian government.
Final arguments for her trial on five remaining corruption charges are set for Monday and verdicts are expected shortly after.
The court could add up to 75 years in prison to the 26 she has already been sentenced to, concluding a closed-door trial that rights groups say is a sham.
It is “unlikely” the junta will press any more charges, said Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group.