Suu Kyi is also being tried on lesser charges of sedition, two counts of flouting COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, illegally importing walkie-talkies and the unlicensed use of the radios.

Loading

Preparations have also begun to try her for breaching the official secrets law, which carried a maximum prison term of 14 years. Australian Sean Turnell, a former economics advisor to Suu Kyi, has also been accused of a breach of the colonial-era Burmese Official Secrets Act. He’s been held in prison since February 6.

The military said it seized power because last November’s election, won in a landslide by Suu Kyi’s party, was tainted by massive fraud. Its claim has almost no independent support, and the takeover was quickly met by widespread public protests.

Security forces used deadly force to try to quash the peaceful protests, killing more than 1100 people, according to the detailed tallies of the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners and human rights groups. Opponents of military rule have turned to armed self-defence, sabotage and killings of soldiers and officials on a near-daily basis.