Burma's military-run court system has turned down the first legal bid to have democratic opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi released after more than a year of detention.
A spokesman for her National League for Democracy Party, which filed the challenge, said Tuesday it was rejected by a court in Rangoon. Party spokesman U Lwin said the court also turned down a request that party offices be allowed to reopen around the country.
Last month, the opposition launched a nationwide petition drive urging the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners. The petition is said to have collected thousands of signatures.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest since May of 2003 after a clash between her supporters and pro-government demonstrators.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.