Myanmar warns against protests ahead of Suu Kyi verdict

Military-ruled Myanmar’s state media on Thursday warned citizens against inciting protests as democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi began stockpiling supplies ahead of a possible five-year jail term.

A prison court is expected to deliver a verdict on Friday in the Nobel peace laureate’s trial on charges that she breached the terms of her house arrest by sheltering an American intruder who swam to her house.

The New Light of Myanmar newspaper, in a comment piece ahead of the judgement due tomorrow, cautioned against anti-government factions, saying that “we have to ward off subversive elements and disruptions”.

“Look out if some arouse the people to take to the streets to come to power. In reality they are anti-democracy elements, not pro-democracy activists,” the article said.

Security has been tight for all the hearings, with memories still fresh in Myanmar of massive anti-junta protests led by Buddhist monks in 2007 which ended in a bloody crackdown.

A conviction is widely expected in the two-and-a- half-month trial, which has sparked international outrage.

It has been repeatedly delayed as the junta fended off criticism and calls for the release of Suu Kyi.