In the latest challenge to freedom of expression in the Southeast Asian country, a former newspaper columnist for state media was sentenced by a court in Yangon to seven years imprisonment and a fine U.S. $64 for criticizing Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on social media.
Ngar Min Swe, a well-known critic of Aung Suu Kyi, the country’s de facto leader, was arrested on July 12 at his home in Hlaing Township for Facebook posts which criticised Aung San Suu Kyi.
Ngar Min Swe’s wife, May Than Win claimed that her husband when writing on the social networking website was merely offering suggestions to the leader. “He didn’t hire a lawyer for his case and defended himself in court because he feels he didn’t do anything wrong,” May Than Win said. She feels what her husband said was right, he didn’t defame Aung San Suu Kyi hence the punishment he received is not appropriate for what he did. She said while claiming to be a democratic government, but it is like one that operates counter to democracy.