Charges viewed as attempt to silence Suu Kyi

Denver Post Wire Report

Posted: 05/15/2009 01:00:00 AM MDT

YANGON, Myanmar — Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was charged Thursday with breaking the terms of her house arrest just two weeks before she was to go free, a move seen as an attempt by the military junta to silence its chief opponent ahead of next year's election.

The charges follow a mysterious visit by John William Yettaw, 53, of Falcon, Mo., who swam across a lake and sneaked into her home.

Suu Kyi, who was scheduled to be freed May 27 after six years of house arrest, now faces up to five years in prison if convicted of violating the terms of her detention, said lawyer Hla Myo Myint.

The trial of the Nobel Peace laureate is scheduled to start Monday.

An Asian diplomat briefed on the case Thursday said Yettaw told the government he had gone to Suu Kyi's house to pray.