Mizzima News

New Delhi (mizzima) – The special court in Rangoon’s Insein prison on Monday heard the concluding arguments of the prosecution lawyer in the trial of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi but fixed Tuesday for the defence to respond to the prosecution’s charges, her lawyer said.

Nyan Win, a member of Aung San Suu Kyi’s legal team, said, “The court has fixed yet another session on Tuesday for the defence to argue on the prosecution’s claims.”

The court session, which began at 10 a.m. (local time), on Monday heard the final arguments from lawyers of Aung San Suu Kyi’s two live-in party mates - Khin Khin Win and Win Ma Ma – John William Yettaw and the prosecution lawyer.

In his submission, the prosecution lawyer said, Aung San Suu Kyi has violated her detention law under the 1974 constitution by allowing an American into her house. He also tried to prove his point by referring to several documents related to the constitution, Nyan Win said.

The court has fixed Tuesday for the defence counsels to respond and “I think Yettaw’s lawyer will also submit clarifications,” Nyan Win said.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s lawyers on Friday made their concluding arguments stating that she cannot be charged under the 1974 constitution as it is no more in effect.

The trial of the Burmese democracy icon, which began on May 18, is in the final stages and a verdict is expected two to three weeks after the conclusion of the final arguments, Nyan Win said.

Even as critics view the trial as a pretext by the ruling junta to continue detaining the Burmese pro-democracy leader, many are speculating that the court is likely to convict her. She could face up to five years in prison if convicted.