YANGON – Myanmar’s ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi is to appear in court today, after one of the country’s bloodiest days since the February 1 coup.
At least 38 protesters were killed yesterday as security forces cracked down on anti-coup protesters, taking the total death toll to more than 120, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group.
Protesters demanding the release of Suu Kyi and the restoration of democracy have taken to the streets across the country every day for around six weeks, despite the junta’s increasingly forceful attempts to quell the dissent.
Yesterday – the joint deadliest day of unrest along with March 3 – saw violent clashes between security forces and protesters and the torching of several Chinese-owned factories in a textile-producing district of Yangon, as many protesters believe Beijing to be supportive of the coup.
State-run television confirmed today that a police officer was shot dead in the city of Bago during a protest.
The Yangon court hearing for Suu Kyi, who spent more than 15 years in house arrest under previous military rule, is expected to start by video link around 10am (0330 GMT), her lawyer Khin Maung Zaw said.
The Nobel laureate faces at least four charges: possessing unlicensed walkie-talkies, violating coronavirus restrictions, breaching telecommunications laws and intent to cause public unrest.
Military authorities have also accused her of accepting illegal payments of US$600,000 (RM2.4 million) in cash and a large quantity of gold – allegations her lawyer said are “groundless”.
“The junta has showed its teeth and taken its mask off… they are showing their true self,” Khin Maung Zaw said of yesterday’s violence.
The lawyer has complained that he has not been allowed to meet Suu Kyi, who has been in custody since the coup, though he said the 75-year-old appeared in good health at her last court appearance by video link on March 1. – AFP, March 15, 2021
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