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Suu Kyi verdict delayed until August 11

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

[JURIST] The Myanmar court hearing the trial of opposition pro-democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday delayed the verdict until at least August 11. The court was scheduled to deliver the verdict Friday, after hearing closing arguments from the prosecution Monday and from the defense last week. Suu Kyi's lawyers said the court adjouned, saying it needed more time to consider the issues. 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. 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 31, 2009 (boomark / email).