Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi Likely To Hear Final Verdict In Junta Trial Next Week: Report
Suu Kyi is currently imprisoned in a complex in Naypyidaw's capital, adjacent to the courthouse where her trial is being held, and has been denied access to her home staff and pet dog Taichido.
A Myanmar junta court could bring down the final convictions in an 18-month trial of Aung San Suu Kyi next week, capping the latest chapter in the military's decades-long war with the democracy figurehead, news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported on Saturday.
The Nobel laureate, 77, has previously been found guilty on 14 charges ranging from embezzlement to unlawfully importing walkie-talkies and breaching the official secrets act.
She has only been seen once since her trial began, in murky state media photographs from a bare courtroom, and has relied on attorneys to send messages to the rest of the world.
Many in Myanmar's decades-long democracy campaign have abandoned her primary principle of nonviolence, with "People's Defence Forces" clashing with the military on a regular basis around the country.
The country has been in chaos since last year, when generals toppled Suu Kyi's civilian administration.
Final arguments in her trial on the five remaining corruption accusations are scheduled for Monday, with verdicts expected soon after.
The court might add up to 75 years in prison to the 26 years she has already been condemned, bringing an end to a sham trial, according to rights groups.
According to Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group, the junta is "unlikely" to bring additional accusations.
The military wants the focus next year to be on the 75th anniversary of independence from Britain, "as well as elections that are likely to occur mid-year," he told AFP.
However, after the elections, any new military regime "may possibly approach Suu Kyi and try to exploit such conversations to try to divide the opposition," according to Horsey.
Soe Myint Aung, an analyst, believes there is "always the prospect of an unexpected pardon and freedom" for Suu Kyi once her trial is completed.
"The military dictatorship undoubtedly sees Suu Kyi as having a role in easing societal tensions and putting an end to armed resistance," he was quoted as saying by AFP.
It's uncertain whether the still-popular ex-leader would play ball in exchange for a pardon or freedom.
"There is nothing impossible in politics," junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told AFP in July when asked if the military would entertain discussions with Suu Kyi to resolve the issue caused by the coup.
Suu Kyi is currently imprisoned in a complex in Naypyidaw's capital, adjacent to the courthouse where her trial is being held and has been denied access to her home staff and pet dog Taichido.
Any elections held by the current regime would be a "sham," according to the United States.
Russia, a key ally and arms supplier, has stated its support for the military's plan to organise elections next year.
According to analysts and diplomatic sources, China, India, and Thailand may also grant their blessing.
Many of Myanmar's numerous political parties, however, may choose to boycott the elections rather than contest the junta's terms and face punishment from anti-coup fighters.
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