Burma’s Supreme Court has rejected a special appeal by ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, upholding her conviction on corruption charges. The case alleged that Suu Kyi received gold and thousands of dollars as a bribe from a former political colleague. The 78-year-old leader, arrested on February 1, 2021, when the military seized power, is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence on various charges.
In a closed trial on Monday, Suu Kyi was found guilty of receiving $600,000 and seven gold bars in 2017-18 from Phyo Min Thein, the former chief minister of Yangon and a former senior member of her political party. Despite her lawyers being served with gag orders, they previously rejected all corruption allegations as “absurd.”
Special appeals typically mark the final stage of the appeals process in Burma. However, they may be re-examined by the Special Appeals Tribunal or the Plenary Tribunal if deemed of public interest by the chief justice. Suu Kyi’s legal team has faced challenges, including the inability to meet with her to receive instructions. Despite applying six times for permission to meet since December 2022, they have received no response.
The turmoil in Burma since the military’s 2021 takeover has led to nationwide protests suppressed by deadly force, sparking widespread armed resistance, described by some U.N. officials as a civil war. The situation remains complex, with appeals on other charges still in process, and Suu Kyi’s legal team encountering obstacles in their efforts to meet with her.
