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Closing arguments in Burma trial Burma trial hears final arguments
(about 10 hours later)
The prosecution in the military government's trial of the Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is to deliver its closing arguments. The prosecution in the military government's trial of the Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has delivered its closing arguments.
Ms Suu Kyi faces five years in prison if she is convicted of having violated her house arrest when an American man swam to her lakeside home uninvited.Ms Suu Kyi faces five years in prison if she is convicted of having violated her house arrest when an American man swam to her lakeside home uninvited.
Her lawyers - who delivered their final statement on Friday - say they expect a verdict in two to three weeks. Her lawyers, who are scheduled to deliver a response on Tuesday, say they expect a verdict in two to three weeks.
Unusually, diplomats have been allowed into the court for this session. Unusually, diplomats were allowed into the court for part of Monday.
Lawyers read closing arguments for the other defendants, two of Ms Suu Kyi's housemaids and John Yettaw, the American intruder. Lawyers also read closing arguments for the other defendants, two of Ms Suu Kyi's housemaids and John Yettaw, the American intruder.
The prosecution may wrap up its case against Suu Kyi later on Monday, court officials said.
Poll ploy?Poll ploy?
A verdict is not expected yet, however. Ms Suu Kyi's lawyer, Nyan Win, said a verdict could take as long as two or three weeks.
"I expect all the arguments will be made today but I think the verdict might take as long as two or three weeks," said Ms Suu Kyi's lawyer, Nyan Win. "We have to give our reply tomorrow, we have to give further arguments," he said after Monday's hearing.
"I do not think the court will give a verdict."
Timeline: Aung San Suu Kyi trialTimeline: Aung San Suu Kyi trial
The trial has been held mostly behind closed doors, but diplomats from the United States, Singapore, Australia, Japan, the Philippines and Malaysia were allowed to attend the session, one of the diplomats told reporters. He also said the defence team would ask to call a witness from the foreign ministry who allegedly stated that Ms Suu Kyi was detained "for her own security"
The trial has been held mostly behind closed doors, but diplomats from the United States, Singapore, Australia, Japan, the Philippines and Malaysia were allowed to attend the session on Monday morning, one of the diplomats told reporters.
Authorities only allowed a US consul to attend the afternoon session, because a US citizen was standing trial.
Hundreds of NLD members and supporters of Ms Suu Kyi rallied outside Insein Prison where she has been held since May. About 10 truckloads of security personnel were seen in the area.Hundreds of NLD members and supporters of Ms Suu Kyi rallied outside Insein Prison where she has been held since May. About 10 truckloads of security personnel were seen in the area.
Ms Suu Kyi, 64, has spent nearly 14 of the last 20 years in detention, much of it at her Rangoon home.Ms Suu Kyi, 64, has spent nearly 14 of the last 20 years in detention, much of it at her Rangoon home.
Polls are planned by the military government for some time next year. Ms Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won the last elections in 1988 but was never allowed to take power.Polls are planned by the military government for some time next year. Ms Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won the last elections in 1988 but was never allowed to take power.
On Monday, international human rights group Amnesty International named Ms Suu Kyi as an "Ambassador of Conscience" - its highest honour - for her efforts to promote democracy.
The trial, which had been expected to wrap up in days when it started, has dragged on for more than two months.The trial, which had been expected to wrap up in days when it started, has dragged on for more than two months.
Prosecutors argue that Aung San Suu Kyi must be held responsible for the midnight swim to her home by the American well-wisher, John Yettaw, in early May.Prosecutors argue that Aung San Suu Kyi must be held responsible for the midnight swim to her home by the American well-wisher, John Yettaw, in early May.
Her lawyers have argued that the law she has been charged under is part of a constitution abolished 25 years ago.Her lawyers have argued that the law she has been charged under is part of a constitution abolished 25 years ago.
In any case, they say, she cannot be responsible for the incident as she was living under tightly-guarded house arrest at the time.In any case, they say, she cannot be responsible for the incident as she was living under tightly-guarded house arrest at the time.
BBC South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head says the fact that some defence witnesses and foreign observers have been allowed shows that the government belatedly recognised the anger stirred up around the world by trying Ms Suu Kyi on such bizarre charges.BBC South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head says the fact that some defence witnesses and foreign observers have been allowed shows that the government belatedly recognised the anger stirred up around the world by trying Ms Suu Kyi on such bizarre charges.
But, our correspondent adds, all the indications are that she will still be found guilty. Burma's ruling generals fear her popularity, and do not want her to play any role in next year's election.But, our correspondent adds, all the indications are that she will still be found guilty. Burma's ruling generals fear her popularity, and do not want her to play any role in next year's election.
Riot police have closely guarded the courtroom in a Rangoon prisonRiot police have closely guarded the courtroom in a Rangoon prison