Suu Kyi receives award on visit to UK despite protest

LONDON: Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the honorary freedom of the City of London on Monday, as a small group of demonstrators protested outside about the treatment of minority Rohingyas. Myanmar’s de facto leader received the award at the Guildhall, after meeting with Queen Elizabeth II and heir to the throne Prince Charles. The award was in recognition of her “non-violent struggle over many years for democracy and her steadfast dedication to create a society where people can live in peace, security and freedom”, the City of London said. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi is on a tour around Europe that has already taken her to Belgium, Italy and the Vatican City. Around 40 demonstrators protested outside the Guildhall, with signs reading “Free All Political Prisoners in Burma” and “Please Stop Military Burning of Rohingya Villages”. They chanted “Suu Kyi is lying; Rohingyas are dying” and said that people who had once supported her now opposed her. — AFP