Finally it is done by the Myanmar military junta. They brought several criminal charges against the ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi after snatching power from her 10 months ago. On Monday, a Myanmar court found Ms. Suu Kyi guilty of charges and initially sentenced her to four years in prison. She was charged with incitement and violation of pandemic rules. However the sentence was reduced after a partial pardon from army chief Min Aung Hlaing. The court proceedings were held behind closed doors and Ms. Suu Kyi has been detained in an undisclosed prison.
Like other military governments in the world, the Myanmar junta could have a thinking that punishing a popular leader would help them to stay in power for a longer time. But experiences say that this technique seldom works. Often such methods backfire. At present, Myanmar is experiencing severe political turmoil. Different political parties and groups are engaged in an armed struggle against the military in many provinces. After seizing the power, the military junta had witnessed a series of massive outbursts of protest on the streets. The absconding political leaders have also formed an exile government to create pressure on the junta.
Certainly, the imprisonment of Ms. Suu Kyi will fuel public unrest in the near future. There are many criminal charges against Ms. Suu Kyi and those could collectively imprison the 76-year-old leader for the rest of her life. There should not be
any doubt the junta is following that path. It seems that these cases were designed to end her political career by keeping her busy in legal proceedings while the military enjoys the power. The sentencing of Ms. Suu Kyi is nothing but an attempt to throttle opposition and suppress democratic movement. We must say the international community, especially Russia and China, must take stronger action in support of the Myanmar people.
