Feb 20, 2008 (DVB), U Gambira, the leader of the All-Burmese Monks Alliance who was detained in November for his role in public demonstrations last year, has been charged with at least one new offence.

U Gambira had already been charged with violating section 17/1 of the Unlawful Associations Act, and will now also be charged under section 13/1 of the Burma Immigration (Emergency Provisions) Act for illegal movement across borders.

U Gambira's brother U Aung Kyaw Kyaw has also been charged with both offences, as well as article 5(j) of the Emergency Provisions Act.

Ma Khin Thu Htay, U Gambira's sister, said that the full charges against the monk were not yet clear.

"There have been rumours that they are going to charge them both under section 5(j), but we won't know for sure until Monday," she said.

U Gambira and U Aung Kyaw Kyaw were charged by Alone township court and also had their remand extended.

Reporting by Aye Nai