The Burmese government announced on 20 May 2009 its decision to allow 10 journalists to cover the trial of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, media reports said.

The "Bangkok Post" online noted that this is the first time that the junta is allowing members of the media to attend the trial of any leading activist in the country.

The first two days of the trial were held behind closed doors inside the notorious Insein Prison in Rangoon.

Suu Kyi, a Noble laureate, faces up to five years in jail if convicted of breaching house arrest after an American man, identified as John Yettaw, swam to her lakeside house.

A Burmese government official said that of the 10 journalists to be allowed access, five will be from international media groups while the others will be from local journals. However, he added that photographs, recordings and television footage of the proceedings are still prohibited.

This concession, observers noted, came in the face of worldwide criticism, including those from Burma's regional neighbors.

Earlier, junta officials turned away European diplomats from the trial, prompting the European Union to mull further sanctions against the government. US President Obama last week announced an extension of American sanctions against Burma.

The "Bangkok Post" quoted critics as saying that the trial is just a scheme to keep Suu Kyi locked up in time for the elections next year.