Suu Kyi's Supporters Appeal For Her Release

Can Tran June 10, 2008

Recently, Burma’s junta had committed an action that brought continued backlash from the international community. As if it was not enough that Burma’s junta has done little to help the victims of Cyclone Nargis, it had extended the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Prize laureate.

On May 27, the junta extended Suu Kyi’s sentence for another year. Her sentence was previous extended back in 2003. Back in 1990, Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy Party (NLD) had won elections. Suu Kyi was supposed to have taken power. But, the junta refused to accept and acknowledge the results. Instead, Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest for twelve years. As Suu Kyi’s sentence was about to end, it was extended.

The extension of Suu Kyi’s sentence had brought forth more international backlash. But, the junta has continued to remain defiant. Now, the NLD has made an appeal for Suu Kyi’s release.

“The NLD will submit an appeal under the law as the extension of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s detention was against the law and unfair,” the group argued. It adds: “If the State Peace and Development Council assumes that the extension of detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was in accordance with the law, we ask them to accept the appeal and open the case in accordance with the law.”

To the junta, Suu Kyi is a “dangerous element.” Under the country’s law, a person cannot be held for more than five years without any charges or trial. This seems to be the case with Suu Kyi.

This is one issue amongst many that brings criticism towards the junta. Still, the junta will dismiss all criticisms.