Myanmar - Aung San Suu Kyi trial

Journalists and diplomats attend Suu Kyi trial

Article published on the 2009-05-20 Latest update 2009-05-20 12:58 TU

Myanmarese monks living in Thailand pray during a rally calling for Aung San Suu Kyi's release
(Photo: Reuters)

Myanmar's military rulers allowed some foreign reporters and diplomats into the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday but the world-famous opposition leader was unable to meet them.

Suu Kyi appeared to be in good health, despite recent reports that she has been seeking medical attention.

"Thank you very much for coming and for your support," she shouted to the diplomats, who had unexpectedly been allowed to attend the session. "I can't meet you one by one, but I hope to meet you all in better days."

Also in court were US national John Yettaw, who sparked her arrest by swimming to the house where she is detained, and two female aides. They all face up to five years in jail.

Yettaw frequently consulted with his lawyer during proceedings and at one point asked to be allowed to wear a pair of sunglasses.

Only one witness was taken during the afternoon. Deputy Police Major Tin Zaw Htun showed the judges Muslim women's clothing which he said Yettaw had brought for Suu Kyi.

Suu Kyi's supporters say that Yettaw may have swum to her house because of a premonition that she would be killed.

"According to the police report, John Yettaw said that 'in my vision Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be assassinated'," said Nyan Win of the National League for Democracy.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy supports his wife Carla Bruni's letter to the Myanmar government, which demands that Suu Kyi be released, a presidential spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Sarkozy raised the imprisonment at a cabinet meeting today, saying it is unacceptable on both humanitarian and political ground.