Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Asian Leaders Condemn Suu Kyi Trial

Nobel Peace Prize-winners label pro-democracy leader's trial 'a mockery'

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted May 19, 2009 6:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – The trial of Aung San Suu Kyi drew unusually strong condemnation from Asian leaders as it entered its second day today, the BBC reports. A statement from the ASEAN bloc urged Burma's ruling military junta to ensure the ailing 63-year-old was given proper medical care, repeated a call for her immediate release, and warned that the government's "honor and credibility" were at stake.

Nine of Suu Kyi's fellow Nobel Peace Prize-winners joined the condemnation, CNN reports. "The trial is a mockery," they wrote in a letter that accused the junta of seeking to extend her detention through trumped-up charges and urged the UN secretary-general to intervene. Dozens of Suu Kyi's supporters gathered outside the courthouse, where they were filmed by plainclothes police. The trial is expected to last three months.

A protester stands beside a poster of Aung San Suu Kyi during a rally in front of Burma's embassy in Manila today.
A protester stands beside a poster of Aung San Suu Kyi during a rally in front of Burma's embassy in Manila today.   (AP Photo/Pat Roque)
Riot police officers adjust barricades at a roadblock near Insein Prison in Rangoon, Burma yesterday.
Riot police officers adjust barricades at a roadblock near Insein Prison in Rangoon, Burma yesterday.   (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)
Activists gather for a demonstration outside Burma's embassy in Bangkok yesterday.
Activists gather for a demonstration outside Burma's embassy in Bangkok yesterday.   (AP Photo/David Longstreath)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

It is clear that this is an excuse by the military junta to add trumped-up charges at a time when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's unlawful detention was scheduled to end May 27. - Letter from Nobel Peace Prize winners to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.
 

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne