Former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi sentenced to six years in prison

Burmese government leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was deposed last year, has been sentenced again to prison. That was decided by a court in the army-ruled country on Monday, judicial sources report to international news agencies. Suu Kyi will receive an additional six years in prison, on top of the 11 years for which she was previously convicted of sedition and violating corona measures.

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Myanmar military leaders accuse Suu Kyi of corruption in four different cases. According to the court of the military regime, she would have built a house with money that was intended for charitable purposes. The trial was held behind closed doors, with no media or public access, so further details are not available. Suu Kyi has denied everything and her lawyers are expected to appeal.

Decades in prison

In February last year, the 77-year-old Nobel laureate was deposed after five years of leadership in a military coup in Myanmar. The military claimed it owed its large election gains to fraud.

The former leader faces decades of jail time on multiple charges. Analysts say the numerous lawsuits against Suu Kyi and members of her government are an attempt to legitimize the military’s seizure of power and keep her out of politics. The junta, the military government of Myanmar, has been accused of human rights violations including arbitrary arrests and military actions, torture and death sentences.

Also read: The thirst for revenge in Myanmar’s military leaders is growing

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