NAYPYITAW- Deposed President Win Myint testified that he was “told to resign on health grounds as he was detained” on February 1st by the ruling military, but refused to do so, according to a lawyer on his legal defense team.

President Win Myint made this testimony in court today (October 12) as he answered questions related to an incitement charge under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code. State Counselor Daw Aung San Su Kyi and Dr. Myo Aung were also summoned to and questioned at the Naypyitaw Special Court.

“U Win Myint was mainly questioned today in relation to the 505 (b) charges. He was also questioned as a witness. When questioned he said he did nothing wrong and he also mentioned the day of his arrest. Afterwards, he testified that on the morning of February 1st, 2021 around 5 A.M., two high-ranking generals came into his room. They told him to resign as president on health grounds even though he was in good health,” says a member of his legal defense team.

President Win Myint testified that he refused this request to resign as president as he was in good health, says a lawyer from the defense team.

“U Win Myint added that when he refused the generals’ request to resign, they told him to reconsider his decision or face personal harm. However, U Win Myint said that he cannot resign, and there is nothing that he could do if he faced personal harm. He said that he would rather die than consent” says the defense lawyer.

President Win Myint and Daw Aung San Su Kyi have been detained since February 1st.