Enlarge image
Protest poster for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon (archive image)
Photo: STRINGER / EPA
Myanmar's military government is brutally cracking down on demonstrators - a court meanwhile is bringing the former de facto Prime Minister Aung San Suu Kyi to trial.
The 75-year-old has been under house arrest since the coup about two months ago.
Now, in addition to the previous charges, she is also accused of violating a state secret law that apparently dates back to the colonial era.
Suu Kyi has already been charged, among other things, with "inciting rioting," and allegedly possessing radios without the necessary permission and taking bribes.
If found guilty, she could be expelled from all political offices for life.
Suu Kyi's health is apparently good
On Wednesday, the former head of government was able to speak to her lawyers for the first time since her house arrest under strict conditions.
According to her lawyers, Suu Kyi was apparently doing well physically.
Suu Kyi appeared in court on Thursday.
The hearing in the capital, Naypyidaw, only dealt with procedural issues and the formal appointment of eight defense lawyers.
"She was smart and charming as always," said her lawyer, Khin Maung Zaw.
Another trial is scheduled for April 12th.
The protests against the military junta continue, with at least two people reportedly killed again on Thursday.
A protester was shot dead in Monywa in the center of the country.
Ten people were wounded, paramedics reported to the AFP news agency.
One person was also killed in the second largest city, Mandalay, and six others were injured.
According to activists, at least 535 people have been killed since the demonstrations began.
There are said to have been more than 141 deaths on Saturday alone.
The Red Cross complained that its employees had been the target of attacks by the security forces.
The UN special envoy Christine Schraner Burgener warned of civil war in the country.
It is important to "prevent a catastrophe in the heart of Asia."
China rejects sanctions
At the emergency meeting of the UN body, China's UN ambassador spoke out in favor of a “democratic transition”, but rejected sanctions against the country.
Beijing has good relations with its southern neighbor.
International companies are already withdrawing from the country.
Several textile companies, including H&M, Primark and Benetton, want to pause their production in Myanmar.
The Munich banknote manufacturer Giesecke + Devrient (G + D) announced on Wednesday that it would cease its business with Myanmar for the time being.
So far, the company had supplied raw materials and supplies for the manufacture of banknotes in the Myanmar currency, the kyat.
fek / Reuters / AFP / AP
