Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi spends 65th birthday under house arrest

The leader of the Myanmar opposition Aung San Suu Kyi will be spending her 65th birthday today under house arrest as activists hold protests around the globe and world leaders call for the junta to free her.

Reuters

The military regime has kept the Nobel Laureate in detention for almost 15 years and she has been barred from running in upcoming elections.

Suu Kyi's party won the last vote in 1990 but was never allowed to take office. A UN working group this week pronounced her detention a breach of international human rights law, prompting new calls for her release.

In a birthday message, US President Barack Obama hailed Suu Kyi's "determination, courage, and personal sacrifice in working for human rights and democratic change".

"I once again call on the Burmese government to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally and to allow them to build a more stable, prosperous Burma that respects the rights of all its citizens," he said, using the country's former name.

The woman known in Myanmar simply as "The Lady" remains the most powerful symbol of freedom in a country where the army rules with an iron fist.

Events to mark her birthday are scheduled in cities around the world, ranging from candlelight vigils in Tokyo and Auckland to a solidarity rally in Washington.

Supporters have also posted messages of support on Facebook and other websites.

Her dedication to non-violence in pressing for change earned her a Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and placed her, along with Nelson Mandela, as among the world's foremost voices against tyranny.