Myanmar

Police to give evidence in Suu Kyi trial

Article published on the 2009-05-19 Latest update 2009-05-19 08:13 TU

Protesters in the Philippines on Tuesday
(Credit: Reuters)

Myanmar police are expected to give evidence today on the second day of the trial of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. A police colonel testified on Monday against the Nobel Peace Prize winner. She is accused of breaking the rules of her house arrest by allowing an American to stay in her house after his legs allegedly cramped up while swimming by her lakeside home. The new trial has sparked international outcry.

After yesterday's first witness, 20 other police officers and one other person are set to testify.

On Monday night, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) criticised the junta and calling for the release of Suu Kyi, the American man John Yettaw, and two political assistants also arrested with her. Asean traditionally avoids criticism of of member countries.

Thailand, which holds the rotating chairmanship, expressed "grave concern about recent developments relating to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, given her fragile health". The statement also asserted that this brings the credibility of the junta into light.

International outrage regarding this trial spans from diplomatic levels and has sparked protests. Some 30 people marched in Manila on Tuesday. A diplomat speaking to AFP who did not want to be identified said that China, which also rarely criticises Myanmar, privately urged the junta rulers to make a move to calm the current situation.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy's wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy also appealed for Suu Kyi's release in an open letter to Myanmar.

The European Union is also considering levying more sanctions on the isolated south-east Asian country.