Thursday 19 June 2008

7 Supporters Of Myanmar Democracy Leader Arrested -Party

YANGON (Nasdaq-AFP)--Seven supporters of Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi were arrested Thursday as they shouted for her release during a brief protest to mark her 63rd birthday, her party said.

More than 100 people had gathered outside the headquarters of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party to give food to monks to mark her birthday.

After making their religious offerings, some of her supporters began shouting: "Release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi now!" One man held a placard denouncing the regime's response to the devastating cyclone last month which killed tens of thousands of people.

"The storm disaster is a problem. Living is a problem," his sign read.

They were only allowed to shout for a few minutes before a pro-junta militia confronted them. Seven people were later arrested, party members told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of their safety.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who is the junta's main challenger, was first detained in 1989. She has spent most of the years since as a prisoner at her sprawling Yangon home, with only brief spells of freedom.

Aung San Suu Kyi led the NLD to a landslide victory in 1990 elections, but it was never allowed to take office.

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