Woman of the week: Aung San Suu Kyi
Who is she:The legitimate leader of Burma, and head of the National league For Democracy.
What happened? Her party won more than 80% of the vote in May 1990, but the military junta of Burma refused to recognise the results of the election, placing Aung San Sui Kyi under house arrest for 6 years.
Her Background: Her father was general Aung San, founder of modern Burma, but was assassinated when Aung San Suu Kyi was only two.
The situation now: After being released from house arrest Aung San Suu Kyi's movements were severely restricted. A few weeks ago she attempted to leave the capital for an NLFD conference, but found the road blocked by government troops. She sat in her car for days, until the military forced her to return home. Later she tried to travel to her conference by train, but was told that there were no tickets left. Her movements are now severely restricted.
Bet you didn't lmow: Aung San Sui Kyr was educated at St -Hugh's college Oxford, while her husband, Michael Arris, was a fellow at St Antony's College until his death.
To be admired: The sheer strength of the woman - during her time in captivity her hair fell out due to malnutrition, and she was only allowed to see her family three times. She was unable to see her husband for one last time before he died last year.
Random Fact: She won the Nobel Peace prize in 1991.
For further info:
Contact Tom Harrison at St Hugh's
Email tbcstudents@hotmail.com.
12th Oct 2000