This Article is From May 31, 2009

Suu Kyi prepares for defence

Suu Kyi prepares for defence

AFP image

Yangon:

Myanmar's detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi harbours no ill feelings toward an American whose uninvited intrusion into her house may put her behind bars for five years, her lawyer said on Saturday.

The country's military regime has accused her of violating the terms of her house arrest for sheltering American John W Yettaw after he swam to her lakeside residence in early May.

"Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said she bore no grudge against Mr Yettaw or his family," her defense lawyer Nyan Win told reporters after meeting her for 2 1/2 hours to prepare for the defense's final arguments. Daw is a term of respect for Myanmar women.

Some of Suu Kyi's supporters have called Yettaw a fool or dupe for getting her into trouble.

Nyan Win said that Suu Kyi's health was improving following reports Friday that she needed urgent medical attention in the prison where she is being held.

A party statement said it was "gravely concerned" about the Nobel Peace Prize laureate's health, saying she cannot sleep well because she suffers from leg cramps.

Suu Kyi, 63, was treated for dehydration and low blood pressure in early May, a few days after Yettaw was arrested for sneaking into her home.

In her courtroom appearance Tuesday, Suu Kyi looked pale and weak.

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