Suu Kyi recovering after major operation

A crowd of Aung San Suu Kyi’s supporters gathered today at a hospital in Burma’s capital, Rangoon, where the detained pro-democracy leader is recovering after surgery.

Her doctor told them that the Nobel Peace Prize winner was eating well and able to walk.

Suu Kyi, 58, underwent what was described as a major three-hour gynaecological operation on Friday.

“Aung San Suu Kyi had a full plate of rice today,” her private physician Tin Myo Win told the crowd of about 60 people. “She’s even gaining weight.”

Before being admitted to hospital, Suu Kyi was being held at an unknown location after a bloody confrontation between her followers and supporters of the country’s ruling military junta in May 30.

Her detention and a subsequent crackdown on her National League for Democracy party have drawn international condemnation and calls for her immediate, unconditional release.