Suu Kyi Found Guilty

Myanmar's pro-democracy leader picks right up where she left off

(NEWSER) - “We haven’t seen each other for so long, I have so much to tell you,” Aung San Suu Kyi told a jubilant crowd of thousands celebrating her release last night. The Nobel laureate emerged from seven years of house arrest with such a rapport with her supporters and an unbowed attitude that made it seem that not a day had gone by, reports the New York Times. "You have to stand up for what is right," she told the crowd, calling free speech the "basis of democratic freedom" and urging the people to keep their government in check. More»

Supporters mark yet another birthday under house arrest

(AP) - Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi marked her 65th birthday today locked in her dilapidated lakeside compound as calls for her freedom erupted around the world. President Obama and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon demanded Suu Kyi's release in statements echoed at rallies and prayer vigils across the globe. Supporters at home threw a birthday party attended by more than 300 people—but not the guest of honor. More»

Junta claims it will spring activist to 'organizer her party'

(NEWSER) - Pro-democracy activists are responding skeptically to news that Burma’s ruling junta is considering releasing Aung San Suu Kyi, the opposition leader who has been under house arrest for 14 of the last 20 years. "There is a plan to release her soon so she can organize her party," a government official said today. He did not say Suu Kyi herself would be permitted to run, which would violate the country’s constitution. More»

(AP) - American John Yettaw boarded a flight home today, ending an infamous journey that began three months ago with a secret swim to the home of Aung San Suu Kyi that landed them both in prison. Suu Kyi, who repeatedly asked him to leave, and her two live-in aides, are still in custody. "It's very ugly that the person who caused the problem was released but the three people in the house remain detained," Suu Kyi said. More»

Sen. Webb: 'What he did was regrettable'

(NEWSER) - While Myanmar activist Aung San Suu Kyi begins another 18 months under house arrest, the American responsible for her sentence is free and has landed in Thailand, reports CNN. John Yettaw, whose release was won by Sen. Jim Webb, was hospitalized for observation in Bangkok. “He had a medical emergency this morning when they read him his orders of deportation,” Webb said. Yettaw had been sentenced to 7 years' hard labor for swimming to the home of Suu Kyi, who was under house arrest at the time. More»