Supporters await release of Myanmar's famed pro-democracy icon

Nobel Peace Prize winner is due to be freed after spending 15 of the past 20 years under house arrest.

By Seth Mydans

Supporters of Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi gathered near her home this morning, hoping to see the Nobel Peace Prize laureate experience freedom after seven years of detention by the country's ruling military junta.

Colleagues said an order had been signed to release her from house arrest, where she has spent 15 of the past 20 years. The period of her latest detention was due to expire today.

Adding to the expectant atmosphere this morning was a sharply stepped-up security presence in Yangon: truckloads of riot police, cruising and parked — a familiar sight to the capital city's residents during times of political tension.

more