One of Burma's state-run newspapers is warning people against making any predictions about Friday's upcoming verdict in the trial of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
An editorial published Wednesday in The New Light of Myanmar said anyone speculating about the ultimate outcome would be held in contempt of court.
Aung San Suu Kyi is facing five years in prison on charges of violating the terms of her house arrest in May by allowing an American man, John Yettaw, to rest at her lakeside Rangoon home after he swam there uninvited.
Defense attorney Nyan Win says her legal team told the court during closing arguments their client was charged under the 1974 constitution, which was abolished two decades ago.
But he says Aung San Suu Kyi is prepared for the worst.
Yettaw and Aung San Suu Kyi's two female companions are facing similar charges.
A spokesman for Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says Burma's military government has asked Mr. Abhisit to postpone his visit scheduled for Friday - the same day as the democracy leader's verdict is to be handed down.
The international community has denounced the trial, accusing Burma's military rulers of using it to keep her from participating in next year's elections.
The 64-year-old Nobel Peace laureate has spent 14 of the past 20 years under some form of detention, mostly house arrest.
U.S. President Barack Obama signed legislation Tuesday renewing sanctions against Burma. The resolution extends a ban on imports as outlined in the 2003 Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, including a ban on imports of jade and other gems from Burma, either directly or through third countries.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
