Aung San Suu Kyi - Myanmar's democratically elected leader – was arrested earlier this month after a military coup. Leaders around the world have called for a return to democracy – while tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in protests, demanding her release. The military has responded with internet blackouts, curfews on major cities – and the UN human rights envoy to Myanmar says there is evidence forces have used live bullets to disperse protesters.
But who is Aung San Suu Kyi? BBC reporter Freya Cole explains:
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The figure at the centre of these protests was once hailed as a beacon for human rights, and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize – but in recent years has also been accused of defending genocide at the International Court of Justice – due to the plight of the minority Rohingya Muslims.
Despite criticism overseas – for huge numbers of people in Myanmar she remains a hero – spending more than twenty years under house arrest, and refusing to leave Myanmar to see her dying husband - or see her children grow up.
BBC My World makes content about global issues for youth audiences around the world. This channel is brought to you by executive producers Angelina Jolie and the BBC World Service to show you the news behind the headlines, how to fact-check stories and spot fake news
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