Opposition Figure’s Supporters Arrested

Heading off a new challenge from pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the military regime has arrested scores of her supporters to prevent a meeting of her party. The arrests were the government’s latest attempt to control Suu Kyi, winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, since sharply curtailing her political activities and freedom of movement last year. The meeting of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party was called to mark the seventh anniversary of the May 27, 1990, election in which her party’s candidates won 82% of the vote. The ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council refused to relinquish power, and parliament never convened. The sweep came as U.S. economic sanctions banning new investment in Myanmar, formerly Burma, took effect to protest the military’s increased repression.