Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been sentenced to 18 months of house arrest in Burma, also known as Myanmar. Some media sources say this is a political move to keep her out of the 2010 elections. Some say the Burma government is giving in to international pressure by halving her sentence. Yet others say the international community should do more.
Al Jazeera English says the charge for having an unauthorized visitor at her home is really an excuse to keep Aung San Suu Kyi from the political scene.
“Myanmar’s military government has achieved what many believe was it’s original aim – to sideline the prominent opposition figure in the lead-up to elections planned for next year.”
But the
BBC says that it is significant how the court halved her initial sentence.
“The fact that the Burmese generals have decided to give Aung San Suu Kyi less than the maximum sentence shows they are willing to bow, at least to some extent, to the will of the international community.”
Still,
Channel News Asia says the international community is not satisfied with the outcome of the trial, with protests carried out across different countries.
“Criticisms has been pouring in fast and furious after a court in Myanmar finds opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi guilty.”
“From Bangkok to Manila… Tokyo to Seoul… activists demanded her immediate release.”The Irrawaddy, a magazine covering Burma and Southeast Asia, presents the view of the British Prime Minister.
“… the 2010 elections will not have credibility or legitimacy unless Suu Kyi and other political prisoners are released, and they are allowed to participant in the poll.”
So what do you think? Is the sentence justified?
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