Myanmar’s ousted leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been pardoned in five criminal cases and transferred from jail to house arrest in a junta amnesty, according to state media reports on August 1. The popular leader’s sentence has been reduced by a total of six years, but she still faces legal challenges in 14 other cases.
Aung San Suu Kyi was arrested two years ago during a daytime coup that led to the military junta taking control of Myanmar. The Chairman of the State Administration Council granted clemency to Suu Kyi, who had previously been sentenced by the courts. However, despite the pardons, she will not be completely freed from house arrest, as reported by AFP.
Out of the 19 cases against her, only five have been pardoned, leaving her to navigate legal troubles in the remaining 14 cases. This situation indicates that her house arrest will continue despite the partial clemency.
The junta’s clemency coincides with a religious ceremony on August 3, during which the military will unveil a new giant sitting Buddha statue as a symbol of devotion. Along with Suu Kyi, over 7,000 other prisoners have been granted amnesty.
Prior to the coup, Aung San Suu Kyi’s party had won a second five-year mandate in the 2020 elections. The military’s move to bring various charges against her has been seen by experts as an attempt to limit her public support and political influence.
Aung San Suu Kyi was previously imprisoned in the capital city of Naypyitaw and sentenced to a total of 33 years in prison. The charges brought against her have been criticized as politically motivated.
The military coup has resulted in significant turmoil and violence, with over 3,700 people killed in the military’s crackdown, according to a local monitoring group. Additionally, more than 23,000 people have been arrested during this period, highlighting the grave human rights situation in Myanmar since the coup.
