YANGON, Myanmar - A court in Myanmar imprisoned four pro-democracy activists for one year for campaigning against a constitution promoted by the military government.

Nyan Win, a spokesman for the opposition National League for Democracy party, said Friday the court imposed the jail sentences "for trespassing with intent to commit offense."

The NLD, which is led by detained Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, strongly opposed the draft constitution, which it and other critics charged will perpetuate military rule beyond a general election supposed to be held in 2010.

The four were arrested in Tounggok in Rakhine state in Myanmar's west in March for distributing leaflets urging voters to reject the draft charter, Nyan Win said.

The new constitution was adopted after it won overwhelming approval in a national referendum held in May. Critics said the referendum was conducted in an unfair manner, with opportunities to oppose it restricted and irregularities in voting.

Nyan Win said the four were sentenced on June 27 by a court in Tounggok township, and they were the first people imprisoned for opposing the constitution.

The Tounggok area is noted for opposition to Myanmar's ruling generals.

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