Doves fly free but Suu Kyi captive for 60th birthday

WORLDWIDE celebrations to mark the 60th birthday of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi kicked off yesterday, with supporters releasing doves and holding a modest religious ceremony in the Burmese capital, Yangon.

A living symbol of non-violent resistance to oppression, Ms Suu Kyi is being feted around the globe by sympathisers ranging from social activists to pop stars and world leaders on her birthday, which is also being used as an occasion to renew long-standing calls for her release.

While Suu Kyi - who has spent almost 10 of the last 16 years in confinement - remained locked up at her dilapidated residence in the capital, members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party gathered at its headquarters several miles away.