Suu Kyi's former driver recounts assassination attempt and torture

Despite the title of this post, there is some good news today: Aung San Suu Kyi is free at last from house arrest! However, a recent interview on Democratic Voice of Burma with Suu Kyi's driver is a poignant reminder that last time she was freed the junta's Union Solidarity and Development Association - the winners of last week's elections - tried to assassinate her. The driver, Kyaw Soe Lin, was a law student and volunteered to drive Suu Kyi to rallies in May 2003. When Suu Kyi's convoy approached Depayin, Kyaw recounts that USDA thugs brutally attacked her supporters and nearly killed Suu Kyi herself. Indeed, but for Kyaw's quick thinking and "James Bond" driving skills, things might have been much worse. Fortunately, it sounds like Kyaw was eventually able to get his law license. Still, his bravery deserves far more recognition.