Suu Kyi's lawyer wants action from ASEAN

ABC News

A lawyer acting for Aung San Suu Kyi has called on the international community to help the Burmese democracy leader avoid jail.

Ms Suu Kyi has gone on trial at the notorious Insein prison in Rangoon.

She is accused of breaching security laws after an American ex-serviceman swam across a lake to her house, where she lives under house arrest.

The man spent two nights there, despite Ms Suu Kyi's requests that he leave.

Lawyer Jared Genser has warned that horrendous conditions in the prison where Ms Suu Kyi is being held could be a threat to her life.

He also wants the international community, particularly the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), to become involved.

"I'd like to see ASEAN actually step up and say or do something," he said.

"Frankly, they haven't said a word since she was charged and I think that's a terrible statement on behalf of the entire grouping."

Mr Genser says Ms Suu Kyi stands little chance of a fair hearing.

"I would like to see the UN secretary-general make an emergency visit to Burma and demand to meet with General Than Shwe (The head of Burma's military junta) to discuss the situation," he said.

"I'd like to see an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, if she is in fact convicted, to try to press for action in the council."