Myanmar’s deposed leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has appeared in court in person for the first time since her arrest in February.
A lawyer for the 75-year-old said she was in good health when they held a meeting with her this morning in the capital, Naypyitaw.
She faces charges that range from illegally possessing walkie talkie radios to violating a state secrets law.
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During the meeting, Ms Suu Kyi said that she wished the people good health and prosperity.
Her legal team added that she also sent a message saying: “Our party grew out of the people so it will exist as long as the people support it.”
The comments come after media reports on Friday that the junta-appointed election commissioner announced her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), would be dissolved for alleged election fraud.
The NLD won a resounding victory in November’s general election, proving far more popular than the military-aligned politicians.
On 1 February, the military staged a coup, citing concerns about alleged electoral fraud as one of the reasons it needed to seize power.
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Ms Suu Kyi was detained that morning and has been under house arrest ever since.
Monday’s hearing concerned several of the six charges Ms Suu Kyi faces, which her supporters say are politically motivated and intended to legitimise the military’s seizure of power as well as discrediting her.
Myanmar‘s president, U Win Myint, was also arrested and appeared at court this morning to discuss his case.
Both cases were adjourned until 7 June.
Meanwhile, in his first interview with foreign media since the coup, Myanmar’s junta leader confirmed Ms Suu Kyi was in good health ahead of her court appearance.
Min Aung Hlaing also disputed the number of people killed by security forces, which the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners puts at more than 800 since February.
The general instead claimed the death toll was around 300, with 47 police also dead.