TheCable

Government officials and citizens of Myanmar have defended Aung San Suu Kyi, their leader, after Amnesty International revoked an award given to her in 2009.

The human rights group revoked the Ambassador of Conscience, its highest award, which it gave Suu Kyi during her 15-year house arrest in 2009.

The group said Suu Kyi has shown indifference to the atrocities committed by the country’s military against the Rohingya Muslims

“Today, we are profoundly dismayed that you no longer represent a symbol of hope, courage, and the undying defence of human rights,” Kumi Naidoo, Amnesty’s chief, said in a letter to Suu Kyi on Monday.

“Amnesty International cannot justify your continued status as a recipient of the Ambassador of Conscience award and so, with great sadness, we are hereby withdrawing it from you.”

Other recipients of the prestigious award include Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai and Ai Wei Wei.

But speaking in her defence, Myo Nyunt, spokesman for the National League for Democracy, said the withdrawal of awards is part of a “larger conspiracy aimed at harming Suu Kyi’s dignity”.

“All these organisations are working for the Bengalis (a term used to refer to the Rohingya’s as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh) who have left the country in order to get citizenship,” he said.

Aung Hla Tun, Myanmar’s deputy minister for information said their leader was being treated “unfairly,” but this would “make the people love her more.”

Citizens who reacted to the news spoke in Suu Kyi’s favour.

“Their withdrawal is pretty childish. It’s like when children aren’t getting along with each other and take back their toys,” said 50-year-old Khin Maung Aye.