Myanmar junta must free Suu Kyi

The serene, determined, dignified and courageous persona of Aung San Suu Kyi still instils insecurity in the hearts of Myanmar's military junta who have locked her up for 15 years at her lakeside mansion.

Suu Kyi, or ‘Daw Suu', as she is referred to in her native Myanmar celebrated her 65th birthday yesterday. She is the living embodiment of courage in the face of repression. In Myanmar she continues to be the beacon of hope for the people who have lost every basic human right and dignity. Even in captivity she stands up for the privileges of her people and offers the promise of a better future.

Sadly, the only way the world can celebrate Suu Kyi's extreme influence as she continues to exert it from behind bars is by galvanising a powerful effort towards securing her release from captivity and ensuring that she plays a leading role in fashioning her country's political future.

Myanmar is reeling from sanctions and the military, under the power of corrupt generals, is reaping the dividends. Suu Kyi is her country's rightfully elected leader but her detention is a violation of international human rights.

The people of Myanmar need Suu Kyi. The world must pressure the junta into granting her unconditional freedom.