By SU MYAT MON | FRONTIER
YANGON – A businessman who last month accused an associate of the Yangon chief minister of accepting a bribe has been found guilty and given a suspended sentence in the first of three laws he is being charged under related to his claims.
On Tuesday, U Michael Kyaw Myint was found guilty under the 1961 Habitual Offenders Law and handed a guilty sentence with a K2.5 million bond by the judge at North Dagon court.
In early June, Michael Kyaw Myint tried unsuccessfully to hold a press conference at two Yangon hotels to publicise his claim that U Tin Htun, who he said is Personal Staff Officer to U Phyo Min Thein, had taken a bribe of K1.2 million to speed up a deal for land promised to two farmers, which was then handed to a construction company. He eventually spoke to press at grounds in Tarmwe Township as plain clothed police officers stood watch.
Tin Htun denied taking the bribe and told Frontier that he was not PSO to Phyo Min Thein, but rather an associate.
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Michael Kyaw Myint is also being charged for holding an illegal demonstration in Tarmwe Township under section 19 of the Right to Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law, and for defamation under the notorious section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law in Dagon Township. The final hearing for the defamation charge is due to take place on Wednesday.
After the hearing on Tuesday, Michael Kyaw Myint remained defiant, saying the judge’s decision did not reflect the reality of what had taken place and said that he will counter-sue those who have made claims against him.
