Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi on trial

Myanmar’s ousted leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is on trial on charges that many observers have criticised as an attempt by the military junta that deposed her to permanently exclude her from politics


1988: Aung San Suu Kyi emerges as face of pro-democracy movement in Myanmar during failed popular uprising against military rule

1989-2010: Spends 15 out of 21 years under house arrest

2015: Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) wins landslide victory in general election

2016: Suu Kyi given official title of “state counsellor” – widely seen as Myanmar’s de facto leader

Nov 2020: NLD wins second landslide election victory

Feb 1, 2021
Suu Kyi arrested in coup led by military chief Min Aung Hlaing (right), hours before
start of new parliament session

Suu Kyi subsequently charged with series of offences:
  
Being in possession of illegally imported walkie-talkies. Maximum prison term – three years
Unlicensed use of communications equipment – one year
Two breaches of coronavirus regulations during 2020 election campaign – three years each
Spreading information that could cause public unrest – three years
Breaching official secrets act – 14 years
Corruption – for allegedly misusing land belonging to charity foundation she chaired, and illegally accepting $600,000 and 11kg worth of gold while in office – 15 years
     
If convicted, Suu Kyi could spend rest of her life in detention


Sources: Associated Press, BBC, Reuters 
Pictures: Getty Images 
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