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Aung San Suu Kyi 64th Birthday Marked by Protests Worldwide

by Rob Walker | June 19, 2009 at 05:27 am

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On the day of Aung San Suu Kyi's birthday, supporters are protesting around the world against her continued detainment by the Myanmar government.

Aung San Suu Kyi turned 64 on Friday, while facing new charges relating to a US citizen who swam a lake to her compound, where she was being held under house arrest.

Celebrities, writers and dignitaries from all over the world have posted online, attended protests, written songs and tributes for Suu Kyi on Friday. Beatles legend Paul McCartney and John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono added messages on a website. They are joined by dozens of other celebrities and actors who have added their names on a virtual birthday card.

This is not the first birthday in detention for Aun San Suu Kyi; the Nobel Peace Prize-winning democracy activist has been kept in detention without trial for over 13 of the last 19 years.

"Nineteen years ago, the Burmese people chose Aung San Suu Kyi as their next leader. For most of those 19 years she has been kept under house arrest by the military junta that runs the country. We must not stand by as she is silenced again. Now is the time for the international community to speak with one voice: Free Aung San Suu Kyi."

Beatles legend Paul McCartney and John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono added messages to a website on Friday calling for the release of Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi on her 64th birthday.

Ms Suu Kyi is currently on trial, charged with violating the terms of her house arrest after an American man swam across a lake to her house early last month. A series of protests will be held around the world to mark Ms Suu Kyi's birthday, with several celebrities, including Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, David Beckham and George Clooney, will mark the event with messages of support.

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