Myanmar court adds 6 years to Suu Kyi prison sentence with corruption charges
PBS NewsHourJan 01, 2023
Myanmar: Court Convicts Suu Kyi In Corruption Cases
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Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images [via Time]
The Facts
On Mon., a Myanmar court declared ousted State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi guilty of four corruption charges, adding six more years to her current sentence.
Judge Myint San from the Mandalay Region High Court ruled that Suu Kyi provoked more than $13M in losses to the State by leasing lands in Naypyitaw and Yangon to the health and education charity, Daw Khin Kyi Foundation.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Suu Kyi is one of many who have been unjustly detained due to the military's desire to repress opposition since the Myanmar coup. Although Myanmar's judiciary is said to be independent, corruption is a deep-rooted problem, and the justice system has deep ties to the military.
Pro-establishment narrative
This is a strong response against corruption and misappropriation of funds. Suu Kyi's failure to comply with procedure caused Myanmar millions in losses as she weaponized her position of State Counsellor to her benefit, building a house and renting lands to open the headquarters of a foundation for which she's the chairperson.
