Allegations of corruption dismissed as slander by Suu Kyi’s party, while UN condemns military crackdown
Myanmar’s military junta has intensified its accusations against Aung San Suu Kyi, claiming that the ousted leader took nearly $1.3 million in bribes, including cash and gold. The allegations, which include accusations that Suu Kyi received $600,000 in cash and over 11 kilograms of gold, have been strongly rejected by members of her National League for Democracy (NLD). Former MP Aye Ma Ma Myo called the claims slander and a part of the military’s ongoing efforts to undermine the party as they continue their violent crackdown on anti-coup protests.
The allegations were made by a military spokesperson, Zaw Min Tun, on Thursday, who also announced that an anti-corruption commission was investigating the claims. Suu Kyi, who has been detained since the military coup on February 1, is facing other charges, including possession of unlicensed walkie-talkies and violating COVID-19 restrictions during a campaign event.
Meanwhile, protests against the coup have continued to escalate, with reports of more deaths. On Thursday alone, six people were shot dead in the central town of Myaing, and at least one more was killed in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city. These deaths are part of the ongoing military crackdown, which has already resulted in over 60 fatalities.
The United Nations has condemned the violence, calling for an end to the repression of peaceful protesters. The military junta’s actions, including their treatment of political leaders like Suu Kyi, have drawn international criticism as Myanmar’s political crisis deepens.
