Oct 24, 2008 (DVB), All Burma Federation of Student Unions leader Si Thu Maung was charged under with unlawful association and crimes against state tranquility at Tamwe township court on Wednesday.

Sithu Maung was arrested in Tamwe in connection with the Saffron Revolution in October last year.

Si Thu Maung's lawyer Phoe Phyu said the charges were brought against him by Tamwe township’s deputy police chief Than Htay Aung.

"The prosecutors stated in the court hearing that activities of Ko Si Thu Maung, including his act as a leader of the ABFSU, held a threat against tranquillity of the state," Phoe Phyu said.

"We countered that by pointing out that the ABFSU had existed in Burma and had taken part in the revolutions in our country’s history since 1920," he said.

"We stated that the ABFSU is not harming state tranquility and the rule of law and that it’s only a group of intellectual, educated and patriotic student leaders who are highlighting people's suffering."

Si Thu Maung’s case is being heard by Tamwe township high court judge Daw Than Than and the verdict will be delivered on 29 October.

Before they were able to arrest Si Thu Maung, authorities detained his parents, U Peter and Daw Nu Nu Swe, for not opening the door to officials quickly enough when they came to search for him.

They were each sentenced to six years' imprisonment in August for obstructing police investigations.

Reporting by Khin Hnin Htet