Myanmar’s military government accuses Suu Kyi of taking bribes

Myanmar’s military junta on Thursday accused detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi of accepting bribes, as eight more people were killed in anti-coup protests.

According to Reuters, Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said in a news conference that Suu Kyi had accepted payments worth $600,000 as well as gold during her time in government, citing a complaint from the chief minister of Yangon, Phyo Mien Thein.

“He strongly said that,” Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the junta, said. “We have verified those facts several times. Now the anti-corruption committee is continuing the investigation.”

Reuters also reports that six people were killed in the Burmese city of Myaing, citing a demonstrator who helped carry their bodies to a hospital.

“We protested peacefully,” the man told the news service. “I couldn’t believe they did it.”

Deaths were also reported in the cities of Yangon and Mandalay. More than 50 demonstrators have been killed since protests began in February.

Zaw Min Tun said security forces were disciplined and only resorted to force when necessary, Reuters notes. The general also stated that the unrest taking place in Myanmar did not concern the international community, seemingly rebuffing the widespread outcry from Western governments and the United Nations. 

The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday condemned the military’s actions, though language in an earlier draft that threatened sanctions against the country was reportedly dropped from a statement after opposition was voiced by China, India, Vietnam and Russia.

“The Security Council strongly condemns the violence against peaceful protestors, including against women, youth and children,” the council’s statement read. “It expresses deep concern at restrictions on medical personnel, civil society, labor union members, journalists and media workers, and calls for the immediate release of all those detained arbitrarily. The Council calls for the military to exercise utmost restraint and emphasizes that it is following the situation closely.”