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The deposed Myanmar government leader Aung San Suu Kyi is now also being prosecuted for corruption.
A former top executive from the Yangon metropolis says the 75-year-old Nobel laureate has accepted $600,000 and about 11 kilograms of gold. Her lawyer called the allegations “absurd” and said attempts were made to sideline Suu Kyi politically.
Suu Kyi headed a democratically elected government but disappeared behind bars in early February when the military seized power. That coup led to chaos in Myanmar. Security forces have cracked down on protesting civilians demanding the restoration of democracy. About 850 civilians have been killed in recent months.
The deposed leader also faces a variety of other charges. A criminal case is due to start against her next Monday. It revolves around alleged violations of corona rules during her election campaign and the illegal possession of walkie-talkies. A day later, another separate process starts.
Suu Kyi’s lawyer said his client faces a long prison term. He also warned that the deposed politician would no longer be able to participate in elections if she is convicted. The military has defended their coup by claiming irregularities in the last election, which Suu Kyi’s party won.
