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Suu Kyi Stalker 'Not Crazy,' Relatives Say

Grief-stricken American dad landed Burmese activist back in prison

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 15, 2009 11:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – The daughter of the man who jeopardized Aung San Suu Kyi's freedom by swimming to visit her while she was under house arrest insist that John William Yettaw is "not crazy" and had "no ill intention," the Telegraph reports. The Vietnam veteran's strange plan may have been triggered by his teenage son's death.

"He meant the very best for her. He's not crazy. He's eccentric," said Yettaw's wife, Betty. She said she thinks Yettaw assumed that "he would be in and out and no one would know," as happened the previous time he tried to make contact with Suu Kyi. The college where Yettaw said he studies denies that he is enrolled.

In this Nov. 9, 2007 file photo released by Myanmar News Agency, Detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is seen at the state guesthouse in Yangon, Myanmar.
In this Nov. 9, 2007 file photo released by Myanmar News Agency, Detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is seen at the state guesthouse in Yangon, Myanmar.   (AP Photo/Myanmar News Agency, HO, File)
In this photo taken on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, American John William Yettaw, center, is shown speaking with U.S. diplomats and Myanmar officials in Yangon.
In this photo taken on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, American John William Yettaw, center, is shown speaking with U.S. diplomats and Myanmar officials in Yangon.   (AP Photo/Myanmar News Agency, HO)
In this May 6, 2002, file photo, a Myanmar soldier stands guard near the home of Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon.
In this May 6, 2002, file photo, a Myanmar soldier stands guard near the home of Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon.   (AP Photo/David Longstreath)
A Myanmar resident in Japan shows a portrait of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi behind bars as she joins a rally demanding her release in front of Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, May 15, 2009.
A Myanmar resident in Japan shows a portrait of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi behind bars as she joins a rally demanding her release in front of Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, May 15, 2009.   (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)
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