Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsSuu Kyi trial to resume Monday

Suu Kyi trial to resume Monday

July 24, 2009 (DVB), The trial of Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, which was expected to finish today, will resume on Monday with the prosecution's final statement yet to be delivered.

It is still unclear when a verdict is likely to be given, although the trial has so far been besieged by delays from the courtroom.

A source close to Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party said that today's hearing ran for two and a half hours.

No reason was given as to why the prosecution failed to present their case, with past hearings lasting up to six hours.

The source said that Suu Kyi "was disappointed" with the court's decision to extend the trial because it gives the prosecution two days to prepare a counter argument.

Suu Kyi is being tried on charges of breaching conditions of her house arrest following an incident in May in which US citizen John Yettaw intruded into her lakeside compound where she has been held under house arrest for 14 of the last 19 years.

Senior NLD member Win Tin, who in June was disqualified as a defence witness for Suu Kyi, said that a large crowd of people had gathered outside the Insein prison gates.

"Today there are more people than ever, including NLD members from other townships," he said, adding that security was tighter than ever "with road blocks laid on some street corners."

Four diplomats, from Britain, Germany, France and Italy, were allowed inside the courtroom today, the third time this has been allowed in a trial that has stretched over three months.

The vast majority of the trial has however been held behind closed doors, with heavy restrictions imposed on journalists attempting to report on proceedings.

Reporting by Nam Kham Kaew

RELATED ARTICLES

Feel the passion for press freedom ignite within you.

Join us as a valued contributor to our vibrant community, where your voice harmonizes with the symphony of truth. Together, we'll amplify the power of free journalism.

Lost Password?
Contact