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Suu Kyi defense lawyers present closing arguments

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] Defense lawyers for Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi presented their closing arguments Friday with the prosecution expected to offer its closing arguments Monday. Suu Kyi was reportedly disappointed with the court's decision to allow the prosecution more time to prepare their closing, as it is customary for both parties to give their closing arguments on the same day. Suu Kyi faces charges of violating the terms of her house arrest for allowing an American to stay with her after he swam across a lake to visit. Her lawyers did not know when a verdict could be expected. Earlier this month, Suu Kyi's trial resumed after a delay with the testimony of Khin Moe Moe, a member of Suu Kyi's National League of Democracy (NLD) party, who claimed the charges were politically motivated. Last month, a Myanmar court sentenced two members of the NLD to 18 months in prison after leading prayers for Suu Kyi's release. Her arrest was controversial and highly criticized by the international community. She has spent 12 of the past 18 years in prison or under house arrest for alleged violations of an anti-subversion law. News of Suu Kyi's trial has been met with criticism from numerous agencies and governments around the world. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said the charges against Suu Kyi are "trumped up."

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on July 24, 2009 (boomark / email).