Ousted Myanmar Leader Sick, Misses Court Trial

Ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has missed her court hearing on Monday to face criminal charges but was taken home after she abruptly became ill, her attorney said.

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Suu Kyi, who was arrested during the military-led coup in February, was due in court to resume her trial on charges of possessing unauthorized communication devices. She also faces multiple other and separate charges.

Her attorney said Suu Kyi became sick while riding to the courthouse on Monday. Car sickness and rhinitis, an inflammation of the nose, were said to be her main symptoms.

Attorney Khin Maung Zaw said she's been in good health since her hearing was postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in July.

"It's not that she's in terrible health. She's just feeling sick and dizzy," Zaw told Myanmar Now. "She's got a runny nose too... She doesn't have any major illness though."

Suu Kyi, who is fully vaccinated, has been under house arrest since the military junta overthrew her government during a coup on Feb. 1. She also faces charges of sedition and violating COVID-19 restrictions.

Suu Kyi, 76, is scheduled to appear again on Tuesday for an incitement charge and two COVID-19 breaches.

Human Rights Watch Asian Deputy Director Phil Robertson said in July that the charges are politically motivated and aim to overturn her party's landslide victory last November.

The military has called the election fraudulent and the results illegitimate.

The military junta has killed hundreds over the past seven months during violent suppression of protests. Last week, pro-democracy advocates urged for peace and calm after the main opposition group called for a "resistance war" against the military government.