Jan 16, 2008 (DVB), High-profile activist Htin Kyaw has said he will sue the government for breach of promise after they decided to prosecute him for a solo demonstration he staged in March 2007.

Htin Kyaw is already facing charges for his role in demonstrations over commodity prices, for which he has been detained since August last year.

He was originally charged under section 505(b) of the penal code for causing public alarm, but an unlawful assembly charge has since been added.

Htin Kyaw attended a court hearing at Pabedan township court on 9 January, and is due to appear before the court again on 23 January.

His lawyer was not allowed to see him before the 9 January hearing, and was denied access to the courtroom in an earlier hearing.

In addition to these charges, Htin Kyaw is now being prosecuted for staging a solo demonstration in Kamaryut township on 22 March after authorities refused to allow him to become a monk.

He is due to attend a separate hearing on these charges on 25 January at Kamaryut township court.

But Htin Kyaw told his wife, Ma Than Than Maw, that he will sue the government for reneging on their promise not to prosecute him for his March protest.

Htin Kyaw was arrested during his solo protest but was released the following day and said that authorities told him they would not press charges.

"He told me that he is going to sue the government for breaking the promise given to him by the nation's leaders," said Ma Than Than Maw.

She added that Htin Kyaw had informed the Kamaryut township judge, police chief, court staff and special police officials of his intention.

Reporting by Aye Nai