The ruling drew huge criticism from the international community who urged the ruling junta to free the pro-democratic leader and push the process of political reforms in the country.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in a statement said he was 'deeply disappointed' by the guilty verdict against Suu Kyi.

'The secretary-general strongly deplores this decision... and urges the government to immediately and unconditionally release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and to engage with her without delay as an essential partner in the process of national dialogue and reconciliation,' said a statement issued here Tuesday by his spokesperson.