Thousands in Myanmar rally behind Suu Kyi ahead of Hague court date

Thousands rallied in support of Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar Saturday, on eve of her departure for UN's top court to defend Myanmar against charges of gecide against Rohingya Muslims.
raucous rally in capital Naypyidaw came as China's foreign minister arrived for a visit at Suu Kyi's invitation.

Analysts say Beijing's permanent seat on UN Security Council -- and its veto vote -- makes it a valuable ally as Myanmar faces intensifying scrutiny over its treatment of Rohingya.

Once-lauded democracy champion Suu Kyi's shock decision to face International Court of Justice (ICJ) next week to defend Myanmar against charges it committed gecide against Muslim mirity risks furr damaging her alrey tattered overseas reputation.

But domestically " Ly" remains revered, and resolve of her supporters has only hardened in le-up to ICJ hearing scheduled for December 10-12.

"We are proud of her taking accountability... by going to Hague to protect nation's im," shouted prominent writer Htin Lin Oo into a microphone in front of a banner emblazoned with words "We stand with our leer".

"Our blood shall come toger and unite us when it is important," he shouted to a cheering crowd, who hoisted colourful artwork of Suu Kyi in air.

ICJ lawsuit was brought by Gambia, a tiny, mainly Muslim West African state that alleges Myanmar breached UN's Gecide Convention with its bloody 2017 crackdown on Rohingya.

Some 740,000 Rohingya fled into neighbouring Banglesh, bringing with m accounts of widespre murder, rape and arson -- violence that UN investigators have branded as gecide.

But Rohingya garner little sympathy within Myanmar, with many believing that y are illegal immigrants from Banglesh.

Myanmar insists abuse allegations are under investigation by its own committees -- panels which rights groups say have whitewashed atrocities.

military says operations were justified to flush out Rohingya militants.

Win Swe, a Naypyidaw resident at rally who was sporting a T-shirt with Suu Kyi's face on it, told AFP he will support his leer in "whatever she does".

"y aren't just accusing one person in Myanmar, y are accusing whole country," he said.