Myanmar elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s lawyer Khin Maung Zaw on Wednesday said that he was preparing for the worst and the trial, he fears, could take six months, according to AFP. Suu Kyi was detained on February 1 after a military coup in the country. The junta took charge of the country.

According to AFP, on Wednesday the military regime hit Suu Kyi with a second criminal charge, accusing her of holding an election campaign event last year which the junta claims breached coronavirus restrictions under natural disaster management laws.

“We hope for the best but are prepared for the worst,” Khin Maung Zaw told AFP.

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The lawyer has sought permission to speak to the leader ahead of the next court hearing on March 1. “When will this be granted? I don’t know,” he said.

Khin Maung Zaw said he has not been allowed to meet with Suu Kyi in person and is worried about the confidentiality of their discussions over video or phone calls.

“It’s more appropriate to meet with her in person without being interfered by anyone,” he said.

A United Nations special envoy has hit out at the “secretive trial” of Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, who also faces the same charge under natural disaster management laws.

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The pair are in a “safer place” and “in good health”, according to military spokesman Zaw Min Tun who addressed the media in Naypyidaw Tuesday.

“It’s not like they were arrested — they are staying at their houses,” the general, who became the country’s vice-minister of information after the coup.

The United States and Britain condemned the new charge against Suu Kyi, and renewed demands for her release.