Activists seek Suu Kyi's release ahead of b'day

Manila, Jun 19: As Aung San Suu Kyi gets set to spend her 65th birthday in detention, about 70 activists held demonstrations on Friday, Jun 18 in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Philippines seeking the release of the pro-democracy icon.

Myanmar"s ruling generals have detained Suu Kyi for 14 over the last two decades. The democracy proponent's birthday falls on Saturday, Jun 19.

The activists came with large posters of the leaders, yellow flowers and recited poems, sang songs, and called for democracy in the junta-led country.

“We see her continued detention as an insult to democracy and justice, as women in Burma have long been suffering and continue suffering from sexual abuses and denial of their fundamental rights," an activist Yuen Abana said.

The demonstrators even celebrated Suu Kyi's birthday singing 'Happy Birthday' and cutting a cake.

“Calling for her immediate release is our best gift for (Suu Kyi) for her birthday," the activist added.

Meanwhile, rally leader Egoy Bans of the Free Burma Coalition called on Philippine President-elect Benigno Aquino III and other Southeast Asian leaders to mount pressure on Myanmar to release Suu Kyi as well as all other political prisoners so they can participate in the upcoming polls.

OneIndia News