Aung San Suu Kyi to face court this week: lawyer

By AFP
16 February 2021
Aung San Suu Kyi to face court this week: lawyer
Aung San Suu Kyi. Photo: EPA

Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi will appear in court via video conference this week over charges brought against her by the State Administration Council, her lawyer said Monday.

The 75-year-old Nobel laureate was hit with the charge of violating Myanmar's import and export law, after a search of her house found walkie-talkies.

President Win Myint -- who, like Suu Kyi, was detained in a dawn raid on February 1 -- was charged with violating coronavirus restrictions when he took part in a campaign event last September that drew hundreds.

Both are expected to be questioned on Tuesday and Wednesday, said lawyer Khin Maung Zaw outside a court in Naypyidaw, Myanmar's capital, after a meeting with a judge.

"When they are brought to the court on both February 16 and 17, they will be questioned via video-conferencing," he said.

Neither has been publicly seen since the Military took control, though Suu Kyi's party has heard that she is "in good health".

Their detention period was set to end on Wednesday, said the lawyer -- though it was likely to be extended.

He added that he would also be expected to represent Win Htein, a top NLD executive who was also arrested.

The 79-year-old NLD stalwart has been charged with defamation, said Khin Maung Zaw.

Khin Maung Zaw, who has not been allowed to meet his clients yet, said: "We are trying our best to meet with them."

© AFP