Ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and former President Win Myint pleaded not guilty Monday to violating COVID-19 restrictions, their lawyers said, as the pair were formally indicted after the army seized power.
Each was charged with two counts under the Disaster Management Act for failing to observe pandemic restrictions during last year's general election campaign. Each count carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won last November's election in a landslide, but was unable to take a second five-year term in office when the military seized power on Feb. 1. Suu Kyi and leading members of her government and party remain under arrest.
The military said it acted because of widespread voter fraud, an assertion for which it has presented little proof. The takeover met with massive popular resistance, which is continuing despite deadly repressive measures by security forces.
The special court in the capital Naypyitaw is also trying Suu Kyi for illegally importing walkie-talkies and unlicensed use of the radios, as well as incitement -- spreading false or inflammatory information that could disturb public order. Suu Kyi, Win Myint and the former mayor of Naypyitaw, Myo Aung, late last month pleaded not guilty to incitement, and are expected to be indicted next week in connection with the radios.
An indictment allows a trial to proceed to a second stage, after the court hears the prosecution's case and determines that it has merit. The defense then can present its case.
Suu Kyi's supporters and independent analysts say the charges are an attempt to discredit her and legitimize the military's seizure of power.
Suu Kyi also faces corruption charges in a separate trial recently begun, an offense that carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison. She is set to be tried soon for violating the Official Secrets Act, which carries a maximum term of 14 years.
The judge at Monday's court session rejected a request from 76-year-old Suu Kyi to hold its hearings every two weeks instead of weekly. Suu Kyi said it would reduce the strain on her health from so many scheduled court appearances.
"She is getting tired of weekly appointments. Lawyers are tired too. That's why it is recommended to do it once every two weeks. But the judge did not allow it," said lawyer Kyi Win said.
Liberal MPs who have spent the last 10 days organizing to ask Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step aside from the leadership of the Liberal Party plan to plead their case directly to him at next Wednesday's caucus.
The OPP has acknowledged that one of its employees did not follow the organization's policy when an alleged victim of sexual assault called a local detachment earlier this year to report an incident involving eight former junior hockey players.
Mounties have released startling new details about their investigation into the disappearance of Amber Manthorne, who was reported missing on Vancouver Island more than two years ago, and is believed to have met with foul play.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has refused to get the security clearance necessary to be briefed on a list of people in his party who are involved in or vulnerable to foreign interference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a federal commission of inquiry Wednesday.
The Canada Revenue Agency says it has terminated 330 employees for inappropriately receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit during the pandemic, giving its final update on an internal review.
Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump says that if he does not win the Nov. 5 election, he will cry fraud and not accept the results -- just as he did four years ago when he lost to Democratic President Joe Biden.
A humble city in Saskatchewan appears to be consuming more methamphetamine than anywhere else in Canada, based on recent Statistics Canada data.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is testifying today, for the second time, as part of the federal inquiry into foreign interference.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is investigating after an employee was found deceased at a Cambridge grocery store.
Liberal MPs who have spent the last 10 days organizing to ask Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step aside from the leadership of the Liberal Party plan to plead their case directly to him at next Wednesday's caucus.
Mounties have released startling new details about their investigation into the disappearance of Amber Manthorne, who was reported missing on Vancouver Island more than two years ago, and is believed to have met with foul play.
The Department of National Defence confirms unexploded bombs from the Second World War lie buried inside the Mer Bleue Bog, a popular hiking and skiing area in Ottawa’s east end.
More than 200 Air India passengers have landed in Chicago after a bomb threat forced their flight to be diverted to Nunavut.
An Ottawa man was arrested after taking a shower in a stranger's house, Ottawa police say.
Latvian State Police are investigating the death of Capt. Aaron Wideman, a Canadian soldier in the capital city of Riga.
The Los Angeles district attorney has released new evidence in the Lyle and Erik Menendez case that could potentially lead to a review of their life sentences for murder.
If he wins next month's election, Donald Trump would be the oldest person in U.S. history to be elected president, but the 78-year-old Republican nominee refuses to disclose new details about his physical or mental well-being, breaking decades of precedent.
A man accused of making a threat that sparked a temporary shift in some western North Carolina disaster recovery operations said he believed social media reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency was refusing to help people, but realized that wasn't the case when he arrived in hard-hit Lake Lure.
Newly released bodycam footage shows two Phoenix police officers shouting orders to a Black man as he's lying face-down on the ground – with one officer repeatedly punching him and another officer tasing him.
A former Las Vegas-area Democratic elected official was sentenced Wednesday to serve at least 28 years in Nevada state prison for killing an investigative journalist who wrote articles critical of his conduct in office two years ago and exposed an intimate relationship with a female coworker.
Israeli airstrikes pounded areas across Lebanon, killing at least 21 people, officials said Wednesday, including more than a dozen in a southern town where Israeli bombardments in previous conflicts are seared into local memory.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is testifying today, for the second time, as part of the federal inquiry into foreign interference.
Liberal MPs who have spent the last 10 days organizing to ask Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step aside from the leadership of the Liberal Party plan to plead their case directly to him at next Wednesday's caucus.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has refused to get the security clearance necessary to be briefed on a list of people in his party who are involved in or vulnerable to foreign interference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a federal commission of inquiry Wednesday.
Even though we're at the halfway mark of October, it's not too late to try Sober October.
An expert panel of doctors and researchers say Canada needs to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic and take action before the next health emergency strikes.
Adding a six-week course of chemotherapy to the standard course of treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer resulted in a significant increase in survival rates, a new study shows.
At the heart of the ancient city of Petra, Jordan, carved into pink sandstone cliffs, lies an elaborate monument known as the Khaznah, or the Treasury. And buried beneath that edifice, archeologists recently discovered, is a tomb with at least 12 human skeletons and artifacts that are estimated to be at least 2,000 years old.
Expect to see more northern lights in unusual places as the sun continues to sizzle, space weather forecasters said Tuesday.
Hong Kong's oldest zoo is seeking answers in a monkey medical mystery after nine animals died in two days, including three members of a critically endangered species.
A new film from Canadian auteur Guy Maddin is a satire about G7 leaders that its star, Cate Blanchett, says made it feel "like we were making a documentary."
Elisabeth Finch, a former writer and consulting producer on the hit ABC series 'Grey's Anatomy' and subject of a new documentary series, has admitted in an Instagram post that she 'lied about so much.'
Sum 41's Deryck Whibley is calling out his former manager after he denied the abuse allegations laid out in his new book.
The diplomatic row between Canada and India could derail a trading relationship that already underperforms its potential, experts warn.
Researchers say billions of litres of discarded Canadian milk has a massive financial, environmental and nutritional impact.
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says contract talks at the Port of Montreal have hit a "logjam," as he tries to convince both sides to reset relations.
Check your pockets: the winning ticket for Tuesday night’s $65-million Lotto Max jackpot was sold in Toronto.
In 2018, Jason Bennett packed up and moved to the South American country of Colombia permanently after "falling hard" for MedellÃn, once one of the most notorious cities in the world. He now works for himself, running two companies, from his "adopted home."
Life extension might be a lofty — and dubious — pitch, but it’s a common theme among new social and wellness clubs, opulent high rises and private retreats.
Serena Williams says she had a benign branchial cyst "the size of a small grapefruit" removed from her neck and "all is OK."
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is investigating 'homophobic death threats' sent to New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart's wife, Marta Xargay, via email after Game 1 of this year's WNBA Finals.
Johnny Gaudreau’s Columbus teammates were given a few options for how to handle their emotions during the Blue Jackets’ home opener.
Canada’s border guards have seized more than 1,900 stolen cars so far this year at railyards and ports, which is over a hundred more than in 2023.
The Ontario Provincial Police says the number of fatal collisions caused by distracted driving on the roads it patrols has increased by 40 per cent compared to this time last year.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled on Thursday his vision of a 'a fun, exciting future,' an 'age of abundance' full of his company’s self-driving cars without steering wheels, parking lots turned into parks and robots that will walk among the population – that he once again promised would be available within a few years.
An Ottawa man was arrested after taking a shower in a stranger's house, Ottawa police say.
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Chef Paul Natrall, the man behind Indigenous food truck Mr. Bannock, is bringing cooking classes on First Nations fare to schools and offices throughout Metro Vancouver.
The Celtic Colours Festival is taking place at venues around Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia from Oct. 11 to 19.
Sometimes love is written in the stars, but for one couple, it’s written in the aurora borealis.
Canadian hip hop artist Dillan King says running 100 marathons in 100 days was not only the hardest thing he has ever done, but the 'proudest accomplishment' of his entire life.
James Taylor never expected to be walking home with a bag full of groceries he didn't buy.
This weekend marks the fifth anniversary of a large blizzard that paralyzed Manitoba.
There was an eye-catching mix of rainbows and lightning over Vancouver following a brief downpour this week.
Jeff Warner from Aidie Creek Gardens in the northern Ontario community of Englehart has a passion for growing big pumpkins and his effort is paying off in more ways than one.
Mounties have released startling new details about their investigation into the disappearance of Amber Manthorne, who was reported missing on Vancouver Island more than two years ago, and is believed to have met with foul play.
B.C.'s police watchdog is appealing for witnesses to an arrest in Vancouver last week during which a suspect was seriously injured.
A semi driver who struck an overpass along Highway 1 while towing a modular home through B.C.'s Fraser Valley last week has been charged, authorities said Wednesday.
Toronto will get a new area code next year, the CRTC is reminding residents.
Metrolinx has made significant changes to its senior leadership team as the provincial transit agency struggles to get two light rail projects on track, a new memo obtained by Â鶹ӰÊÓ Toronto shows.
Sum 41's Deryck Whibley is calling out his former manager after he denied the abuse allegations laid out in his new book.
A Kananaskis campground is again dealing with concerns about a naked person spotted in the area.
Calgary police have released photos of a man they're hoping to identify as they investigate his suspicious behaviour with two minors.
While the fluffy white stuff hasn't started falling quite yet, the City of Calgary is reminding residents about updates to snow-clearing bylaws that could change how they shovel this winter.
An Ottawa woman, 25, is facing charges after a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 417 in Ottawa's west end last spring left one child dead and seriously injured others, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The Department of National Defence confirms unexploded bombs from the Second World War lie buried inside the Mer Bleue Bog, a popular hiking and skiing area in Ottawa’s east end.
An Ottawa man was arrested after taking a shower in a stranger's house, Ottawa police say.
A 65-year-old woman has died in a possible hit-and-run in Laval Wednesday morning, police say.
Six lucky winners split $32 million from Loto-Quebec's Oct. 9 6/49 Gold Ball Jackpot.
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says contract talks at the Port of Montreal have hit a "logjam," as he tries to convince both sides to reset relations.
One person has been charged in connection with the death of a man on an Edmonton walking bridge.
A man is facing multiple drugs and weapons charges after failing to pay for a ride on Edmonton transit.
A pedestrian is dead after a hit-and-run crash on Highway 16 west of Edmonton.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has announced a new retirement benefit for doctors based on their years of service in the province.
Three of New Brunswick’s provincial party leaders will take part in a roundtable discussion hosted by CTV Atlantic tonight.
Advance polls in the New Brunswick election brought out 110,364 eligible voters on Saturday and Tuesday, surpassing pre-pandemic advance voter turnout.
A candidate in last year's Manitoba provincial election has been found to have forged two signatures on her nomination form.
A Manitoba judge has ordered a community to pay the legal costs for a councillor who they tried to oust in 2023.
Two people have died after a fiery collision on a Manitoba highway earlier this week.
Here's where you can watch Wednesday nights Leaders' Debate between Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe and NDP Leader Carla Beck.
Social Connections Group is a local football program put on by Speech and Language Builders Inc. in connection with Regina Youth Flag Football for kids with social communication and social skill difficulties.
Wednesday is World Food Day and one Regina group recognized the day by highlighting some of the work being done in the city to fight food insecurity which continues to rise, according to the organization.
The woman who was fatally shot at a Stratford home on Tuesday has been identified, as well as the man accused of pulling the trigger.
The OPP has acknowledged that one of its employees did not follow the organization's policy when an alleged victim of sexual assault called a local detachment earlier this year to report an incident involving eight former junior hockey players.
More than a dozen Chihuahuas were found abandoned in crates at the side of a rural road last month.
Investigators with the North Battleford Fire Department and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency were unable to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed the Best Canadian Motor Inn on Monday night.
The Saskatchewan Party unveiled its $1.2 billion election platform on Saturday, which is largely built on tax relief and affordability.
A humble city in Saskatchewan appears to be consuming more methamphetamine than anywhere else in Canada, based on recent Statistics Canada data.
Police are searching for a 24-year-old suspect charged near Parry Sound with impaired driving causing three deaths who failed to show up for court.
The OPP has acknowledged that one of its employees did not follow the organization's policy when an alleged victim of sexual assault called a local detachment earlier this year to report an incident involving eight former junior hockey players.
At the Sudbury courthouse Wednesday, a jury learned it has heard all the evidence in a second-degree murder trial in which the victim was stabbed more than 100 times and had his genitals mutilated.
This year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive has officially wrapped up, resulting in the collection of over 100,000 pounds of food for the London Food Bank.
A 26-year-old London man is charged with mischief under $5,000, theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous operation of a vehicle.
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s) unveiled new research institutes that they say are designed to strengthen hospital-based innovation.
A retired Innisfil woman was in shock for a week after becoming a millionaire with the lottery.
A woman from Scarborough is facing charges and will have to find an alternate method of travel after police say she was clocked speeding nearly 90 km/h over the limit in Innisfil.
Police are investigating a drive-by shooting in Springwater Township that they say happened over the Thanksgiving Day long weekend.
OPP say a 77-year-old man has died after a single-vehicle crash on Highway 40 in Chatham-Kent.
Windsor police have released the results of Operation Impact in the city.
Environment Canada has issued a frost advisory for Windsor and Essex County.
Mounties have released startling new details about their investigation into the disappearance of Amber Manthorne, who was reported missing on Vancouver Island more than two years ago, and is believed to have met with foul play.
Leaders of the B.C. NDP and the B.C. Conservatives will be on Vancouver Island today for campaign events on the last day of advanced voting before British Columbia's provincial election on Saturday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is testifying today, for the second time, as part of the federal inquiry into foreign interference.
Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has sentenced a 27-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., to 18 months in prison for using fake names to buy guns with the aim of selling them in Canada.
Nearly two years after a man was stabbed to death in downtown Kelowna, RCMP have made an arrest in the case.
Health-care advocates say the province's plan for a new primary care agency, operating separately from Alberta Health Services, won't help with doctor shortages in Lethbridge.
The Vancouver Giants scored late to force overtime before winning 4-3 over the Lethbridge Hurricanes Friday night.
If you’re looking for something to do this long weekend, the Lethbridge Corn Maze is open and hosting its annual fundraiser on Monday.
Some of the world’s best curlers have arrived in Sault Ste. Marie for the second annual Soo Fall Classic that many curlers say has become a can’t miss event.
A resident got a scare early in the morning Wednesday in Elliot Lake when an unknown man entered their home carrying a knife.
Glen Morningstar of Blind River won the Ontario 49 top prize of $2 million in the Sept. 7 draw.
A five-hour drive from St. John's, N.L., and well off the beaten path, Point Leamington seems an unlikely spot for a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction.
A Conservative MP from Newfoundland and Labrador says some small towns in his rural riding are overrun with crime, but police say they haven't received reports to that effect.
As millions in federal funding flow into a Labrador group whose claims of Inuit identity have been rejected by Indigenous organizations across Canada, a national Inuit leader worries the Liberal government is putting the rights of Indigenous Peoples at risk.
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