Myanmar leader Suu Kyi convicted in two more corruption cases, will now spend 26 years in jail
Bangkok: A court in military-ruled Myanmar has convicted ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi on two more corruption counts. He has been sentenced to two and three years in both these cases, respectively, which will now cost him a total of 26 years in prison. Significantly, on February 1, 2021, the Myanmar army took over the reins of the country and took Suu Kyi (77) and several prominent leaders of Myanmar into custody. Suu Kyi was accused of receiving a $550,000 bribe from Maung Weeks, convicted of drug trafficking several years ago
However, he has denied all the allegations leveled against him in this case. Suu Kyi has already been sentenced to 23 years in prison for illegally importing and possessing walkie-talkies, violating restrictions enforced to prevent coronavirus infection, sedition and corruption. The sentences sentenced in both the new cases will run concurrently. In such a situation, Suu Kyi will now have to spend a total of 26 years in jail.
Supporters and independent analysts say the allegations are politically motivated and are being done to defame Suu Kyi from running in the next election and justify the military’s illegal capture of power. Suu Kyi’s successive convictions on different counts have threatened the very existence of her National League for Democracy Party. The army has announced fresh elections in the country in 2023. Suu Kyi’s party won a landslide victory in the last general election, but the military says the election was largely rigged.
