Politics

Conviction of Aung San Suu Kyi Is A Step Backward for Burma

By Karina

Today, Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to house arrest for an additional 18 months for allegedly violating the terms of her house arrest. Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and she is the leading advocate for democracy and human rights in Burma. She has spent 14 of the last 20 years under house arrest despite winning the country?s last democratic election in 1990, which was annulled by the military regime.

Speaker Pelosi on today’s conviction:

The politically-motivated trial and conviction of Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is another step backward for the future of the Burmese people. The international community must send a clear message that elections in Burma, planned for 2010, will not be open or credible without the participation of imprisoned and detained pro-democracy leaders.

Let there be no doubt that the United States will continue to support Aung San Suu Kyi as she inspires the world in her fight for the freedom of the Burmese people.

Learn more about Aung San Suu Kyi>>

Full post as published by The Gavel on August 11, 2009 (boomark / email).