Brown to Burma: Release Suu Kyi
Gordon Brown has added his voice to a campaign calling for the release of Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi
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Thursday, 28, May 2009 04:18
Gordon Brown has added his voice to a campaign calling for the release of Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The 63-year-old pro-democracy leader has spent 13 of the last 19 years in detention, and is currently on trial accused of breaking the terms of her house arrest by allowing an American man into her house.
Daw Suu Kyi had been due to be released from her detention yesterday and critics of Burma's ruling junta claim her trial is simply an attempt to keep her detained until elections next year, while she could face another five years in prison if found guilty.
The 64 Words for Aung San Suu Kyi campaign is attempting to place pressure on Burma's military regime to release the Nobel peace prize winner, gathering thousands of messages of support ahead of her 64th birthday on June 19th, and Mr Brown is the latest to offer his support.
In a message posted on the Downing Street website, the prime minister said: "I add my voice to the growing chorus of those demanding your release. For too long the world has failed to act in the face of this intolerable injustice.
"That is now changing. The clamour for your release is growing across Europe, Asia, and the entire world. We must do all we can to make this Birthday the last you spend without your freedom."
Daw Suu Kyi has pleaded not guilty to the charges of breaking her house arrest, claiming she had not invited John Yettaw into her property, insisting he swam out to her house uninvited.