Aung San Suu Kyi's Defense Present Final Arguments

Human rights advocates around the world renew their call for the release of Burmese pr-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi on her 64th birthday, 19 Jun 2009

Defense lawyers for Burma's detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi have presented their final arguments, in an effort to save the Nobel laureate from a possible five-year prison term.

Her trial inside the high-security Insein prison in Rangoon resumed Friday, after weeks of delays and amid fierce international condemnation. Diplomats from Britain, France, Germany and Italy were allowed to attend Friday's proceedings.

Prosecutors are scheduled to make their final arguments Monday. The verdict is expected sometime next month.

Burma's military leaders have accused the 64-year-old pro-democracy leader of violating the terms of her house arrest. Those charges stem from a visit by an uninvited intruder who swam to her lakeside home in early May and was allowed to stay overnight.

Aung Sang Suu Kyi's defense has argued that the security guards around her compound are responsible for the intrusion of American John Yettaw. Her lawyers also argue that the prosecution charges are illegal because they were filed under a constitution that was abolished two decades ago.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Burma earlier this month to appeal for her release and her participation in next year's elections. He was not permitted to meet with her.

The U.S. Senate voted Thursday to renew a ban on imports from Burma, citing oppression by the ruling military and the trial of Aung Sang Suu Kyi. Republican Senator Mitch McConnell also criticized the military for preventing Ban Ki-moon from visiting Aung San Suu Kyi during his recent visit. The House of Representatives already has approved renewing the ban.