Opposition party concerned for Suu Kyi’s safety

(DVB)–The spokesperson of opposition party National League for Democracy has spoken of his concern for imprisoned NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s safety following news of a break-in by an American citizen at her compound.

A man identified as United States citizen John William Yeattaw was caught swimming away from Aung San Suu Kyi’s compound across Inya lake on Sunday evening and arrested.

He had allegedly spent two nights in the compound.

Nyan Win, spokesperson for the NLD, claimed government security forces were defenceless when it came to protecting her compound.

“Regarding Daw Suu’s security, it [the compound] is not safe,” he said.

“What happened clearly shows it and we are worried about her safety.”

Police have tightened security around Ms Suu Kyi’s house. According to neighbours, more than 20 police entered the compound yesterday morning where she has been kept under house arrest for 13 of the past 19 years.

"I can't confirm anything officially,” said Richard Mei, Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Rangoon yesterday.

“We are obliged to contact any American citizen arrested, so we're trying to contact him."

This is the first time that anyone has snuck into Ms Suu Kyi’s compound. Swimming in Inya Lake in the vicinity of her compound is not allowed.

Reporting by Rosalie Smith and Aye Nai