Myanmar tycoon claims he gave Aung San Suu Kyi bribes as junta steps up attack

Maung Waik alleges on state TV that he gave ousted leader $500,000 in cash in what appears to be an attempt to discredit the civilian government

A Myanmar construction magnate with links to the country's military rulers has claimed that he gave more than $500,000 in cash to deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a broadcast on state television apparently aimed at discrediting the ousted civilian government.

The statement by Maung Waik could pave the way for more serious charges against Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been detained since the 1 February military takeover while security forces increasingly use lethal force against a popular uprising demanding the restoration of democratically elected leaders.