The UN Security Council on Wednesday expressed “deep concern” over this week’s sentencing and sentencing of Myanmar’s ousted democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, former President Win Myint and others.
A Myanmar court on Monday found Suu Kyi guilty of inciting and violating COVID-19 rules after she was detained in a February 1 military coup amid unfounded allegations of voting fraud in the wake of the 2020 elections. , in which his National League for Democracy (NLD) party retained power. The Zabuthiri Court in Naypyidaw sentenced him to four years in prison, then hours later the army reduced the sentence to two years.
Protesters march through the streets during an anti-government protest in Mandalay, Myanmar, on December 7, 2021.
Mint, a former president and an ally of the NLD party, also received a four-year sentence, which was reduced to two.
Following the sentencing, the Security Council issued a statement condemning the verdict and calling for a democratic transition in Myanmar, also known as Burma.
According to the statement, the UN Security council members “reiterated their call for the release of all those arbitrarily detained with effect from 1 February 2021.”
The Security Council expressed its ongoing support for democratic institutions and processes in Myanmar, and directed parties in power to refrain from violence, “follow constructive dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar, human rights”. and fully respect the fundamental rights, liberty and uphold the rule of law.”
The allegations of provocation against Suu Kyi were related to a letter sent by the NLD to embassies in Myanmar urging them not to recognize military rule after the coup in February, according to Reuters. The second charge against him pertained to alleged violations of the COVID-19 protocol during last year’s election campaign.
Suu Kyi and the Mint denied the charges against them before their sentencing. The court ruled that Suu Kyi’s allegations of abetment violated section 505(b) of Myanmar’s penal code and said she had used the natural disaster law for her COVID-19 protocol violations, according to Granthshala reporting. was violated.
In a February 1 coup, Myanmar’s military overthrew Suu Kyi and her democratically elected government on baseless allegations of electoral fraud. The Military State Administrative Council has since charged him with a dozen criminal charges, including corruption and violating Myanmar’s Secret Act.
Overall, Suu Kyi’s charges carry a maximum prison term of 100 years.
