Suu Kyi given freedom of Dundee

Aung San Suu Kyi has spent more than 12 years in detention

Burma's pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is to be granted the Freedom of Dundee.

Ms Suu Kyi has been under house arrest in Rangoon since 2003, and has spent more than 12 of the last 18 years in detention.

The 62-year-old's party won the country's election in 1990, but the junta denied her the chance to govern.

The honour from Dundee will be accepted on her behalf by the director of the Burma Campaign UK in September.

'Act of solidarity'

The idea of giving Ms Suu Kyi the Freedom of the City was proposed by the Lord Provost John Letford.

A report to the council stated: "The Freedom is in recognition of her achievements in the service of democracy, which has merited the award of the Nobel Peace prize, and signifies the council's support for her immediate release and the restoration of democratic government in Burma."

Anna Roberts, director of the Burma Campaign UK, said: "We're absolutely delighted that Dundee Council have given this honour to Aung San Suu Kyi.

"It's a great act of solidarity and it's very important that the world doesn't forget Aung San Suu Kyi and this honour will help keep her profile high.

"We know that it's the public attention, the international concern for Aung San Suu Kyi and the consistent calls for her release that keep her safe."