Defence Witness Appear in Suu Kyi Trial

Defence Witness Appear in Suu Kyi Trial

Press Release: Terry Evans

29 May 2009

Aung San Suu Kyi's single permitted defence witness appeared before the special court on Thursday. Kyi Win, a legal expert, argued there was no basis for the charge that Suu Kyi had violated the terms of her house arrest. The court had earlier rejected three other defence witnesses.

Her defence team has conceded that American John Yettaw swam to, and entered, her lakeside home, where he stayed for two days. However Suu Kyi has pleaded not guilty, and her lawyers insist it was the duty of military guards monitoring her property to prevent any intrusions.

Despite widespread condemnation of the court case from the international community, Burma's junta seems determined to use it as a pretext to prevent Aung San Suu Kyi from taking part in next year's scheduled general elections. A conviction could send the Nobel Peace laureate to prison for the next five years.

The court will recess on Friday, and hear closing arguments from both sides on Monday.

ENDS