Junta's 'Machinations' To Keep Daw Aung San Suu Kyi under Arrest Condemned

The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) is appalled by machinations of the Burmese military regime to extend the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi on the basis of an uninvited visit to her residence by an American citizen -- John William Yettaw -- who swam across Inya Lake.



She was last heard to be escorted by police to a Special Court inside Insein Prison "to face charges" over the intrusion by the American. Her personal physician Dr Tin Myo Win and her two female companions at home are also expected to appear in court in connection with the case.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's residence was already a fortress, heavily guarded by armed personnel at the time of the intrusion and if anyone is to be charged it should be the junta for failing to provide security to the Nobel Laureate under its charge.



The junta has not made any public statement about the case but blogs set up by the junta's Ministry of Information has been claiming that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi can face up to three years imprisonment under Article 22 of the 1975 State Protection Law for breaching the restriction order.



Prime Minister Dr Sein Win said, "It is nothing more than a political ploy to hoodwink the international community so that they can keep Daw Aung San Suu Kyi under lock and key while the military maneuvers its way to election victory in 2010. This should not be allowed to happen."



It is time to stop the generals. The international community should closely monitor the situation and take effective action if the generals decide to continue persecuting Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.



Lest we forget, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is Burma's democracy icon and only hope for long-lasting peace in the country.