Ex-minister graft trial resumes amid secrecy
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Former religious minister Hsan Sint has denied any wrongdoing before a third court appearance on July 8, after being dismissed from public office last month and charged with corruption.
The trial has been shrouded in secrecy and misinformation as the government has been unwilling to discuss the reasons behind the minister’s dismissal on June 20, and also changed the date of the third hearing.
The Bureau of Special Investigation filed a case against Hsan Sint and associates under Section 409/109 of the penal code for the misuse of public funds.
“I want to say that I did nothing wrong. I committed no wrongdoing. I was taken here for a case they have already investigated. In my opinion, it is extremely unfair to me. I can swear that I never took even a penny. Though my intention is true, responsible officials accept this as I was disobeying the president,” Hsan Sint told reporters after his second court appearance.
The latest court hearing was held in Nay Pyi Taw’s Dhakhina Court a full nine days ahead of schedule, according to court witnesses. More than 20 reporters covered the second hearing but were confused about the change of dates, which some alleged shows the lack of transparency around the case.
“The judicial pillar has no transparency because the actual date of trail of the former religious minister is on July 17. On the other hand, I think the authorities don’t want the reporters to report on the trial. We need to have more transparency whatever they do,” said one reporter.
After the trail, the personal secretary of Hsan Sint was released from custody. According to court sources, the fourth hearing will be held on July 22.
