Extra Time for Final Arguments Against Suu Kyi

July 24, 2009

Suu_Kyi_not_guilty

UPDATE: The verdict, which was expected to be delivered on Friday, July 31st, was postponed to August 11th.

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The conclusion of the trial of detained Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has been postponed after prosecutors were allowed more time to prepare their final arguments in the case. Suu Kyi’s lawyers gave their closing arguments early today, but prosecutors were told to deliver their final arguments on Monday July 27th.

Nyan Win, one of Suu Kyi’s lawyers, said that to ensure fairness, the usual practice was for courts to allow both parties to give their closing arguments on the same day.

According to Win, Aung San Suu Kyi “was absolutely dissatisfied with the arrangement, giving more time for the prosecution to prepare the argument.” If she is found guilty of violating the terms of her house arrest, Suu Kyi could be jailed for five years. The verdict is expected sometime next month.

Aung Sang Suu Kyi’s defense has argued that the security guards around her compound are responsible for the intrusion of American John Yettaw, which led to her arrest. Her lawyers also argue that the prosecution charges are illegal because they were filed under a constitution that was abolished two decades ago.

The trial has drawn condemnation from the international community and Suu Kyi’s local supporters, who worry the ruling junta has found an excuse to keep her detained through elections planned for next year. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Burma earlier this month to appeal for Suu Kyi’s release and her participation in next year’s elections, but he was not permitted to meet with her.