Aung San Suu Kyi to appeal to higher court

by Myint Maung
Wednesday, 12 August 2009 02:28

New Delhi (Mizzima) – Unhappy with the verdict of the special court in Insein prison on Tuesday, Burma’s detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday told her lawyers that she would appeal to a higher court.

Nyan Win, her lawyer and spokesperson of her party, told Mizzima that he was able to meet the Nobel Peace Laureate at her lakeside home for the first time since May 14, when she was whisked away to Insein prison. He had discussions with her on appealing against the Insein court’s verdict to a higher court.

On Tuesday, the special court in Insein prison sentenced her to three years in prison with hard labour. But Burmese junta supremo Snr Gen Than Shwe commuted the sentence to half by an executive order and allowed her to serve out her term at her home under restrictions.

“Aung San Suu Kyi said she is not happy with the court’s decision. She feels that this is not justice and the decision was not logical,” Nyan Win, who met the Burmese democracy icon for an hour on Wednesday, said.

Nyan Win said he is waiting for a copy of the judgement, which he had applied for to be submitted along with their appeal for reconsideration of the verdict at a higher court.

The meeting, which is the first since Aung San Suu Kyi was brought back to her lakeside home, lasted about an hour on Wednesday afternoon.

Aung San Suu Kyi also said she is confused with the restrictions imposed on her and requested her lawyers to find out its meaning and implications.

Her sentence has sparked international outrage and consequent criticism but the critics believe the junta is likely to revert the court’s decision.