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Aung San Suu Kyi is being detained at her home, according to her lawyer, who said she was seeking her unconditional release.
Myanmar’s democratic leader was placed under house arrest on Monday when the military seized power in a coup that targeted the heads of the civilian government.
Since then, she has been charged with misdemeanors related to allegedly importing walkie-talkies without the proper license and shaking hands during the coronavirus pandemic.
Her lawyer, Khin Maung Zaw, told reporters in the capital Naypyidaw that he was unable to see her or the ousted President Win Myint because they are still under investigation.
“We expect justice from the judge, but it is not safe,” he said. “We hope for the best, but we prepare for the worst. Of course, we want unconditional release, as they have not violated the law.”
He said he would have the right to meet with them when they appear in court or are sent to prison, adding: “They are punished at home,” he said. The police have requested that both be detained for questioning until February 15.
The actions of the military have been widely condemned by the international community, the UN called it a major setback for the progress of democracy in Myanmar and the G7 nations urged the generals to “restore power to the democratically elected government. [and] release all unjustly detained ”. However, China has prevented the UN Security Council from formally condemning it.
Myanmar’s army chief General Min Aung Hlaing, who is now in control of the country, has announced plans to investigate alleged fraud in the November elections, resulting in a landslide victory for the ruling National League for the Suu Kyi’s Democracy (NLD). The Army-backed Union, Solidarity and Development Party took only 33 seats out of 476 available.
Members of the deposed ruling party have declared themselves the only legitimate representatives of the people and have asked for international recognition as the country’s government.
In a letter to the United Nations and the international community posted on social media, the party also called for specific sanctions and for companies to cut ties with the military, which has vast and lucrative properties. The party promised to act “in the best interest of our people and in the very essence of democracy.”
Hundreds of students and teachers staged protests against the coup on Friday, chanting: “Our Arrested Leaders: Release Now, Release Now.” Many have adopted the three-finger salute, previously seen in protests in Hong Kong and Thailand, as a gesture of resistance against power inspired by The Hunger Games films.
Additional agency reports
