Brave Suu Kyi supporters keep vigil for trial

Source: The Independent

As the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi opened in Rangoon today, dozens of her supporters braved razor wire barriers, road blocks and paramilitary intimidation outside Rangoon's notorious Insein prison, where the trial is taking place, to show their solidarity with her.

The democracy leader is accused of violating the terms of her house arrest by allowing her unwelcome guest, John Yettaw, an American citizen who swam across the lake to the family villa where she is confined, to stay. If found guilty she could be jailed for five years.

Win Tin, a member of her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), who spent 19 years in isolation in the jail as a political prisoner, was one of the protesters. In a telephone interview with The Independent he said the trial was simply a ploy to extend her detention, which is about to expire.

"They are using this to extend her house arrest and to avoid her being present during the elections," said the 79-year-old former journalist. " she cannot meet the people, she cannot say anything against the election. She will be absent." Elections under a new, widely criticised constitution are scheduled for next year.

Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/brave-suu-kyi-supporters-keep-vigil-for-trial-1687153.html

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