Suu Kyi verdict due today

Updated July 31, 2009 14:16:37

The verdict in the trial of Burmese pro democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to be delivered today.

Ms Suu Kyi is accused of breaking the terms of her house arrest by sheltering an American man who swam to her lake-side residence.

Presenter: Timothy Pope

POPE: Aung San Suu Kyi has spent almost 14 of the last 20 years in detention.

And critics say, this trial is a ploy by the regime to keep the Nobel Laureate locked up until after elections scheduled for 2010.

Most observers expect Ms Suu Kyi will be found guilty.

Members of the the National League for Democracy fear that if convicted, their leader could be jailed for as long as five years.

According her to lawyer she is stockpiling books and medical supplies in preparation for a severe sentence.

Burma's state-controlled media has warned citizens against protests.

A comment piece in the New Light of Myanmar newspaper calls for Burmese people to "ward off subversive elements and disruptions".

Hearings have proceeded under tight security, to prevent similar anti-junta riots to those in 2007.

The United States has renewed its call for Burma's military regime to release Aung San Suu Kyi, along with the 2,100 other political prisoners in Burma.

And members of the Association of southeast Asian nations, which includes Burma, last week backed calls for her freedom and for democratic reforms.

Listen Now

Listen and download Connect Asia MP3s using our 'Listen Now' player.

Follow us on Twitter

Subscribe

Subscribe to Podcasts for free MP3 downloads of our programs. Use our RSS Webfeeds to customize the content that you want.