Prosecutors for Burma's military government have made their final
arguments in a case that could send pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu
Kyi to prison for five years.
Defense lawyer Nyan Win told VOA that despite nearly four hours of closing arguments Monday, the prosecution's case seemed "legally weak."
Prosecutors accuse Aung San Suu Kyi of violating the terms of her house arrest in May by allowing an American manto rest at her home after he swam there uninvited.
The court also heard from the American's lawyers, and received closing
statements from two female companions living with Aung San Suu Kyi. All
of them could face jail time.
Lawyer Nyan Win said the court trial has adjourned until Tuesday, when
Aung San Suu Kyi's legal team will respond to the prosecution's
arguments.
Nyan Win said the team is seeking to question a witness from the
Foreign Ministry, who reports say told a human rights group that Aung
San Suu Kyi was detained for her own "security" and not on criminal
charges.
A verdict in the case is not expected for a couple of weeks.
A researcher for the human rights group Amnesty International says the
trial has not been free or fair. Benjamin Zawacki says Aung San Suu Kyi
should not have been detained in the first place.
The 64-year-old peace and democracy activist has spent 14 of the past 20 years under house arrest.
Amnesty International is awarding its highest honor to Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday.
The Ambassador of Conscience Award is to be formally announced at a
concert in Dublin by Bono, the lead singer of the Irish band U2 and an
award winner himself.