Suu Kyi receives first prison sentence on corruption charges

According to AP, Ms. Suu Kyi denied allegations of taking bribes of seven gold bars and $600,000 from former Yangon region Prime Minister Phyo Min Thein in 2017-2018. Suu Kyi’s supporters and lawyers say the prosecution aims to “discredit” her and legitimize the military’s hold on power.

In several other sentences, Ms. Suu Kyi was sentenced to six years in prison and faces 10 more corruption charges. The maximum penalty under Myanmar’s Anti-Corruption Act is 15 years in prison and a fine. If found guilty in all cases, Suu Kyi could face a total of more than 100 years in prison.

The media were not allowed to attend Suu Kyi’s trial in the capital Naypyitaw. Her lawyer was also banned from speaking to the press.

Ms. Suu Kyi (left) with former President Win Myint and doctor Myo Aung during a trial. Photo: Reuters

Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) Party won the 2020 general election but after the military seized power on February 1, 2021, Suu Kyi and many of her senior colleagues NLD and government arrested. The military claimed the election was rigged but independent election observers did not find any major anomalies.

Ms. Suu Kyi has not appeared and has not been allowed to speak in public since being detained at an undisclosed location. However, during her most recent hearing last week, she appeared to be in good health and asked her supporters to unite.