Myanmar coup: Aung San Suu Kyi detained at her home, says lawyer

'We want unconditional release as they have not broken the law,' says Khin Maung Zaw

Aung San Suu Kyi is being detained at her home, according to her lawyer, who said he was seeking her unconditional release.

Myanmar's democratic leader was placed under house arrest on Monday as the military seized power in a coup d'etat which targeted the heads of the civilian government.

She has since been charged with minor offences relating to the alleged importation of walkie-talkies without the proper licence and for shaking hands during the coronavirus pandemic.

Her lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told reporters in the capital, Naypyidaw, that he had been unable to see her or ousted president Win Myint because they are still under investigation.

"We expect justice from the judge, but it is not certain," he said. "We hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Of course, we want unconditional release as they have not broken the law."

He said he would have the right to meet them when they appear at court or are sent to a prison, adding: "They are grounded in their homes," he said. Police have requested that both be detained for questioning until 15 February.

The actions of the military have been widely condemned by the international community, with the UN calling it a major setback for the progress of democracy in Myanmar and the G7 nations urging generals to “restore power to the democratically-elected government [and] release all those unjustly detained”. However China has blocked the UN Security Council from formally condemning it.

Myanmar army chief General Min Aung Hlaing, who is now in control of the country, has announced plans to investigate alleged fraud in the November elections, which resulted in a landslide victory for Ms Suu Kyi’s ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party took just 33 seats out of the 476 available.

Members of the deposed ruling party have declared themselves to be the sole legitimate representatives of the people and asked for international recognition as the country's government.

In a letter to the United Nations and the international community posted on social media, the party also asked for targeted sanctions and for businesses to cut ties with the military, which has vast lucrative holdings. The party promised to act "in the best interests of our people and in the very essence of democracy."

Hundreds of students and teachers staged protests against the coup on Friday, chanting: “Our arrested leaders: release now, release now”. Many have adopted the three-finger salute, seen previously in protests in Hong Kong and Thailand, as a gesture of resistance against power inspired by The Hunger Games movies.

Additional reporting by agencies