AUNG SAN SUU KYI was convicted on two charges and handed a four-year prison sentence today in proceedings widely criticised as an effort by Myanmar’s military rulers to roll back democratic gains.

The sentence for the former civilian leader, who was ousted in a coup earlier this year, was quickly cut in half following an amnesty order by the country’s military leader, Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

The verdict for incitement charges is the first in a series of cases brought against the 76-year-old.

If found guilty of all charges, Ms Suu Kyi could be sentenced to more than 100 years in prison.

Today’s charges relate to statements posted on her National League for Democracy party’s Facebook page after she and other party leaders were detained by the military.

She was accused of spreading false or inflammatory information that could disturb public order, and of violating coronavirus restrictions for her appearance at a campaign event ahead of the elections last year.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called the proceedings a “sham trial,” while Amnesty International said it was “the latest example of the military’s determination to eliminate all opposition and suffocate freedoms in Myanmar.”

Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phil Robertson said the trial was just the beginning of a process that “will most likely ensure that Suu Kyi is never allowed to be a free woman again.”

Defence lawyers are expected to file appeals in the coming days for Ms Suu Kyi and two colleagues, who were also convicted today.

They have argued that the defendants could not be held responsible for the statements on which the incitement charge was based because they were already in detention when the statements were posted.

The coup has been met by non-violent nationwide demonstrations, which security forces have quashed with deadly force, killing about 1,300 civilians.

Armed resistance has grown in the cities and countryside, with UN experts warning the country is sliding into civil war.

Protest marches on Sunday against the military government called for the release of the former leaders.

Decisions in other charges against Ms Suu Kyi are expected next week.

The charges include the alleged unregistered import and use of walkie-talkies by her security guards, a violation of the Official Secrets Act and corruption charges.