Second defense witness to testify in Suu Kyi trial

by Mungpi
Tuesday, 09 June 2009 18:10

New Delhi (Mizzima) - The Rangoon Divisional Court on Tuesday decided to allow a second defense witness to testify in the trial against pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The decision came following a request by defense counsels to reinstate three witnesses – Tin Oo, Win Tin and Khin Moh Moh – previously barred by the District Court in Insein Prison.

Nyan Win, a member of Aung San Suu Kyi’s legal team, said, “The court has allowed only Daw Khin Moh Moh to testify, despite our appeal to reinstate all three of the witnesses.”

Earlier the District Court in Insein Prison allowed only one defense witness – Kyi Win – to testify, barring the other three, while allowing 14 prosecution witnesses to take the stand.

“I really do not know the reasons given by the court today [for their decision]. The court just said that since two of the witnesses have been barred by the District Court in line with the law, they are rejecting them,” Nyan Win recounted of the appellate court’s decision.

But Nyan Win said he, along with the other three members of Aung San Suu Kyi’s legal team, believes the Divisional Court’s decision was unfair and not in line with the law.

“We will take the case further to the High Court and request a review of the decision of the Divisional Court,” he said.

Meanwhile, the court in Insein Prison has fixed the next hearing of the case for Friday, June 12. Only then, according to Nyan Win, will they know when Khin Moh Moh will be allowed to testify.

“Probably, the court will adjourn and appoint another date, as we are going to appeal to the High Court concerning the reinstatement of the other two defense witnesses,” he added.

He said at its current speed, the trial will continue for some time yet, as the case will be subjected to possible further reviews.

“Only when the issue of reinstating the witnesses is over will the case resume in the Insein Court,” he concluded.