Suu Kyi Lawyers 'Optimistic' as Trial Nears End

Verdict in pro-democracy leader's trial expected after closing arguments Monday
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted May 29, 2009 6:12 AM CDT
Suu Kyi Lawyers 'Optimistic' as Trial Nears End
Burmese officials in civilian clothes arrest a man, center, for staging a solo protest in front of Insein Prison demanding the release of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.   (AP Photo/Democratic Voice of Burma, HO)

Aung San Suu Kyi's lawyers are optimistic about her case despite the fact only one defense witness has been allowed to testify, the Press Association reports. One of the lawyers for the Burmese pro-democracy leader said he was "very confident of victory if the trial is carried out according to law." Closing arguments are expected Monday and Suu Kyi could be jailed for five years if found guilty.

Suu Kyi's lawyers have argued there is no legal basis for charges she violated terms of her house arrest when an American man swam to her home. Burma's ruling military junta has dismissed international concerns over the trial. "It is not political. It is not a human rights issue," the country's deputy foreign minister said. "So we don't accept pressure and interference from abroad." (More Aung San Suu Kyi stories.)

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