Tanvi Sinha
In another turn in the never-ending tale of disasters to fall Myanmar since the coup that hit the country this year, civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi got taken to court on two separate charges.
Her party-appointed lawyer, Khin Maung Zaw, was not seen present and had earlier told on the phone that Suu Ky appeared in court via video without representation because the court had not recognised him as her attorney and was furthermore even barred from seeing her.
She is to be facing three years in prison for allegedly possessing illegally imported walkie talkies and had an additional charge under the Natural Disaster Management Law as well.
UN special rapporteur Top Andrews issued an urgent call to all governments, individuals and interests with influence over Myanmar military to use that influence to let the military government proceed without detention or violence.
Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the State Administration Council strongly refused the word coup and stated that their actions were in line with the constitution and told people to cooperate and not be emotional to “ensure democracy and prosperity.
They have also shown no fear against US sanctions and have stated they plan to have good relations with all countries and with the UN.
The Internet was also shut down in the state following heavy protests from the people of Myanmar, as an official internet observatory noted that the country was in midst of a near-total internet shutdown for the third night in a row on February the 17th.
Read also: Aung San Suu Kyi detention extended as protests continue in Myanmar