New Delhi – The Burmese military junta has rejected an appeal for the release of detained opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, in accordance with the law of the country, a party official said.

Nyan Win, spokesperson of the National League for Democracy, the party led by Aung San Suu Kyi, had appealed for her release through her lawyer. The appeal was rejected on May 1.

“As far as I know, the Prime Minister’s office on May 1, handed a letter that rejected the appeal for Suu Kyi’s release to her lawyer Hla Myo Myint,” he said.

In the appeal, Hla Myo Myint had argued that the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi must end by May 27, as the law of Burma does not permit detention of more than five years on charges of disturbing peace in the country.

Suu Kyi was last arrested on May 30, 2003, after her motorcade was attacked by junta-backed mobs in upper Burma during a political tour. She was then charged with disturbing the peace in the country and each year the junta continues to extend her detention period.

Genser Jared, Aung San Suu Kyi’s lawyer hired by her family members, said the Burmese regime was violating its own law by extending her house-arrest period each year.

“On May 27, 2009, Aung San Suu Kyi will complete six years of continuous detention. And according to the Burmese law, she should be freed,” Nyan Win said.

Nyo Ohn Myint, in-charge of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the NLD in exile, said the junta, besides its lack of interest for national reconciliation, feared that the release of Suu Kyi would jeopardize their plans.

The Nobel Peace Laureate has been detained for over 12 of the past 19 years.