Burma's pro-democracy opposition has accused the country's military government of disrupting a national petition drive demanding the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest.
The National League for Democracy and human rights groups say government officials are blocking party members from asking people to sign the petition.
In addition, human rights groups say Burmese authorities have threatened to punish party members over the petition, which also calls for the reopening of party offices outside Rangoon.
Aung San Suu Kyi was taken into custody in May 2003 following a clash between her supporters and a pro-government mob. She is currently being held under house arrest.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.