Norway demands release of Aung San Suu Kyi

In connection with the initiation of court proceedings against Burmese opposition leader and Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in Insein Prison in Rangoon today, Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre made the following comment:

“The Norwegian Government is concerned about reports that Aung San Suu Kyi has been imprisoned, and demands that she is released immediately. Norway has repeatedly insisted that the regime in Burma must release Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners.

“The imprisonment of Aung San Suu Kyi is a step in the wrong direction. I will today instruct Norwegian diplomatic missions to raise the matter with the countries in the region, including China and India, as well as with the UN Secretary General.”

Aung San Suu Kyi has spent 13 of the last 19 years under arrest, including the last six. Her present house arrest comes to an end on 27 May. It is reported that the next court hearing will be on 18 May. 

“Recent reports about the state of Aung San Suu Kyi’s health also give grounds for concern. I expect her to be given proper medical attention. I am therefore concerned about reports that her doctor was arrested last week,” added Mr Støre.