Myanmar frees 14,600, but few political prisoners
13 years, 10 months ago

Myanmar frees 14,600, but few political prisoners

The Hindu  

Myanmar is releasing more than 14,600 prisoners under a clemency programme that includes just a few political prisoners, one of them a hip—hop singer. New York—based Human Rights Watch issued a statement calling the clemency “a pathetic response to international calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners.” The U.S. State Department and Amnesty International both called for the immediate release of all political prisoners, as they have before. The National League for Democracy - the country’s de facto opposition party - said at least 22 political prisoners, mostly members of the group, were among those freed. Most of the country’s political prisoners, both from the pro—democracy movement and from out—of—favor factions in the government, are serving long sentences that will keep them locked up regardless of the clemency. But he said “some prisoners who are charged under emergency laws and for links with illegal organizations will be among those freed.” Emergency laws are broadly defined security statutes usually used to prosecute political activists, who are often accused of links to banned political groups.

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History of this topic

My father has spent four years in a Myanmar prison – I won’t rest until he’s free
1 month, 2 weeks ago

My father has spent four years in a Myanmar prison – I won’t rest until he’s free

The Independent  

On 1 February 2021, I went into hiding. Since then, I have used all my energy to travel across multiple countries, refusing to seek asylum, so I can continue advocating for political prisoners like my father and the people of Myanmar. Now their situation has become even more desperate following Donald Trump’s recent foreign aid freeze, which has forced medical …

Foreigners among 6,000 prisoners to be freed under Myanmar junta’s annual amnesty
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Foreigners among 6,000 prisoners to be freed under Myanmar junta’s annual amnesty

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Myanmar’s military government has released …

Myanmar’s military regime to free nearly 6,000 prisoners in amnesty
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Myanmar’s military regime to free nearly 6,000 prisoners in amnesty

Al Jazeera  

Myanmar’s military rulers will release 5,864 prisoners, including 180 foreigners, under an amnesty to mark the country’s 77 years of independence from British colonial rule, state media said. The Associated Press news agency said the foreigners to be released could include four Thai fishermen who were arrested by Myanmar’s navy in late November after patrol boats opened fire on Thai …

Myanmar junta to release nearly 6,000 prisoners in annual amnesty
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Myanmar junta to release nearly 6,000 prisoners in annual amnesty

New Indian Express  

NAYPYIDAW: Myanmar's embattled junta government on Saturday said it would release almost 6,000 prisoners as part of an annual amnesty to mark the country's independence day. More than 5,800 prisoners -- including 180 foreigners -- will be freed, the junta said in a statement on Saturday, when the country marks 77 years of independence from British colonial rule. The annual …

Myanmar’s military government pardons 10,000 prisoners to mark Independence Day
1 year, 2 months ago

Myanmar’s military government pardons 10,000 prisoners to mark Independence Day

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Myanmar’s military government on Thursday pardoned nearly 10,000 prisoners to mark the 76th anniversary of gaining independence from Britain, but they apparently included just a small proportion of the thousands of political detainees jailed for opposing army rule. The head of Myanmar ’s military council, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, pardoned 9,652 prisoners to mark the holiday, state-run …

Myanmar generals pardon more than 9,000 prisoners
1 year, 2 months ago

Myanmar generals pardon more than 9,000 prisoners

Al Jazeera  

Myanmar’s generals have pardoned more than 9,000 prisoners, including 114 foreign nationals, to mark the country’s Independence Day. “Myanmar’s military generals are up to their same old tricks, releasing large numbers of common criminals and a bunch of foreign prisoners during a major national holiday and trying to dress that up as ‘progress’ on human rights,” Phil Robertson, the deputy …

Myanmar military regime accused of murdering political prisoners
1 year, 8 months ago

Myanmar military regime accused of murdering political prisoners

Al Jazeera  

Prison authorities accused of extrajudicial killings and torture with thousands of people arrested for their opposition to the coup. The military removed political prisoners from Kyaiksakaw Prison, in Bago Region’s Daik-U township, on June 27 under the pretence of transferring them, but a total of 37 have since gone missing, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners – a prominent monitoring …

Myanmar army rulers free 3,000 prisoners in holiday gesture
1 year, 11 months ago

Myanmar army rulers free 3,000 prisoners in holiday gesture

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Myanmar’s military government on Monday granted amnesty to more than 3,000 prisoners to mark the traditional lunar New Year holiday, but it wasn’t immediately clear if those released included the thousands of political detainees locked up for opposing army rule. Some 17,460 political detainees, including Myanmar’s former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, were in detention as of …

Myanmar’s military junta frees 3,000 prisoners in holiday gesture
1 year, 11 months ago

Myanmar’s military junta frees 3,000 prisoners in holiday gesture

LA Times  

Prisoners released from Insein Prison are welcomed by family and friends in Yangon, Myanmar, on Monday. Myanmar’s military government Monday granted amnesty to more than 3,000 prisoners to mark the traditional lunar New Year holiday, but it wasn’t immediately clear if those released included the thousands of political detainees locked up for opposing army rule. Some 17,460 political detainees, including …

Fears for more than 100 dissidents sentenced to death in Myanmar after executions spark condemnation
2 years, 7 months ago

Fears for more than 100 dissidents sentenced to death in Myanmar after executions spark condemnation

ABC  

Fears are growing that Myanmar's military junta could put dozens more political prisoners to death, after high-profile executions sparked international backlash this week. Key points: At least 115 people have been sentenced to death in Myanmar since the coup Reports are spreading that some death row prisoners have been moved within Insein prison, prompting fears more executions could be imminent …

No political prisoners released in Myanmar holiday amnesty
2 years, 11 months ago

No political prisoners released in Myanmar holiday amnesty

Al Jazeera  

Military releases 1,619 prisoners to mark the traditional new year holiday, but no political prisoners were freed. Myanmar’s military has started releasing more than 1,600 prisoners to mark the Southeast Asian nation’s traditional New Year festivities, but no political detainees were freed despite the country’s ruling general promising to restore peace this year. “As part of the celebration of Myanmar’s …

Cambodian leader admits error over Myanmar prisoner release
3 years, 1 month ago

Cambodian leader admits error over Myanmar prisoner release

Associated Press  

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Monday that Myanmar’s military government had released an Australian economist detained for the past year, but Myanmar authorities denied his claim. In a morning speech marking the inauguration of a road, Hun Sen said Sean Turnell was released from detention on Sunday in response to a request by the Cambodian …

Myanmar frees hundreds of political prisoners after ASEAN pressure
3 years, 5 months ago

Myanmar frees hundreds of political prisoners after ASEAN pressure

ABC  

Myanmar's military government has freed hundreds of political prisoners from the notorious Insein prison, including Aung San Suu Kyi's party spokesman and famous comedian Zarganar. Key points: ASEAN is excluding the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing from its summit later this month UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews welcomed the prisoners' release The junta has released prisoners several times since the …

Hundreds of political prisoners freed in Myanmar after amnesty
3 years, 5 months ago

Hundreds of political prisoners freed in Myanmar after amnesty

Al Jazeera  

Joyful scenes as families reunited but experts say international community needs to keep up the pressure on the coup leaders. Hundreds of political prisoners have been freed from Myanmar’s Insein prison, including Aung San Suu Kyi’s party spokesman and a famous comedian, according to local media. The announcement came shortly after a televised address by Min Aung Hlaing, the army …

Groups say Myanmar journalists in peril amid crackdown
3 years, 7 months ago

Groups say Myanmar journalists in peril amid crackdown

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Journalists in Myanmar face extreme peril as the military-controlled government cracks down on independent reporting, human rights and media advocates say. Reports by the Committee to Protect Journalists and by Human Rights Watch, released this week, say dozens of journalists are being held, some without charges. In the highest-profile case, two journalists working for the Reuters news agency …

Activists, journalists included in Myanmar prisoner release
3 years, 8 months ago

Activists, journalists included in Myanmar prisoner release

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Myanmar’s government began releasing about 2,300 prisoners on Wednesday, including activists who were detained for protesting against the military’s seizure of power in February and journalists who reported on the protests, officials said. According to official announcements on state media, most if not all of the freed detainees faced charges related to the protests, including Section 505 of …

Activists, journalists included in Myanmar prisoner release
3 years, 8 months ago

Activists, journalists included in Myanmar prisoner release

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Zaw Zaw, head of the Yangon Region’s Prison Department, …

Myanmar to release 2,000 prisoners, drops charges against actors
3 years, 8 months ago

Myanmar to release 2,000 prisoners, drops charges against actors

Al Jazeera  

Myanmar’s military authorities plan to release about 2,000 people from jails across the country, according to reports on Wednesday, as state television said the generals were dropping charges against actors and other celebrities who took part in the anti-coup protests. Actors, sportspeople, social media influencers, doctors and teachers have been among hundreds of people listed as wanted for opposing the …

Myanmar People Slam ASEAN-junta Consensus to End Violence, but No Immediate Protests
3 years, 10 months ago

Myanmar People Slam ASEAN-junta Consensus to End Violence, but No Immediate Protests

News 18  

People in Myanmar on Sunday criticised an agreement between the country's junta chief and Southeast Asian leaders to end the violence-hit nation's crisis, saying it fell short of restoring democracy and holding the army accountable for hundreds of civilian deaths. There were no immediate protests in Myanmar's big cities a day after the meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian …

Myanmar junta pardons prisoners, to attend regional summit
3 years, 11 months ago

Myanmar junta pardons prisoners, to attend regional summit

Associated Press  

YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar’s junta on Saturday released more than 23,000 prisoners to mark the traditional new year holiday, including at least three political detainees, and the military leader behind the February coup confirmed he would attend a regional summit later this month. State broadcaster MRTV said that junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing had pardoned 23,047 prisoners, including …

Myanmar frees thousands of prisoners but many dissidents excluded
3 years, 11 months ago

Myanmar frees thousands of prisoners but many dissidents excluded

Al Jazeera  

More than 23,000 prisoners from jails across the country to be released, but most of them were jailed before the February 1 coup. The military rulers of Myanmar have ordered the release of 23,184 prisoners from jails across the country under a New Year amnesty, a Prisons Department spokesman said, though few, if any, democracy activists arrested since a February …

Myanmar junta frees hundreds held for anti-coup protests
3 years, 11 months ago

Myanmar junta frees hundreds held for anti-coup protests

Associated Press  

YANGON, Myanmar — Hundreds of people imprisoned for demonstrating against last month’s coup in Myanmar were released Wednesday, a rare conciliatory gesture by the military that appeared aimed at placating the protest movement. “I’m sorry for some colleagues who are still in prison.” Meanwhile, messages online urged people to stay home Wednesday in protest — rather than flooding the streets …

‘Abhorrent’: Malaysia’s plan for Myanmar repatriation condemned
4 years, 1 month ago

‘Abhorrent’: Malaysia’s plan for Myanmar repatriation condemned

Al Jazeera  

Rights groups warn the people could face persecution if they are returned to military-ruled Myanmar. “The Malaysian immigration authorities claim their ‘repatriation program’ does not involve refugees or asylum seekers, but how have they determined this if the UN has been prevented from accessing people in immigration detention for over one and a half years?” asked Amnesty International Malaysia’s Executive …

Myanmar’s military grants amnesty to more than 23,000 prisoners
4 years, 1 month ago

Myanmar’s military grants amnesty to more than 23,000 prisoners

Al Jazeera  

Sentences of 23,314 Myanmar prisoners and 55 foreign prisoners are remitted as mass protests against the coup continue. Myanmar on Friday granted amnesty to more than 23,000 prisoners and the coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing called on people to “join hands” with the military for democracy – but despite that thousands of people have rallied demanding a return …

New arrests in Myanmar, as US moves to sanction coup leaders
4 years, 1 month ago

New arrests in Myanmar, as US moves to sanction coup leaders

Al Jazeera  

US goes after Myanmar funds as it increases pressure on generals to relinquish power. One of removed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s closest aides was detained overnight in a new wave of arrests following last week’s military coup, according to an official from her party, as US President Joe Biden announced new sanctions on the generals who seized power …

Myanmar’s political prisoners struggle with life after jail
5 years, 10 months ago

Myanmar’s political prisoners struggle with life after jail

Al Jazeera  

Freed prisoners struggle to find work, resume normal life after their release amid stigma and lack of support. “But then all of a sudden, it was like I dropped dead.” 190125035908709 Sonny Swe is one of the thousands of former political prisoners who, after years behind bars, are facing the challenge of reintegrating into society with no form of restitution, …

Myanmar pardons over 8,500 prisoners as part of annual amnesty marking country's traditional new year
6 years, 11 months ago

Myanmar pardons over 8,500 prisoners as part of annual amnesty marking country's traditional new year

Firstpost  

Myanmar’s president Win Myint, who took office last month after his predecessor suddenly resigned, said the pardons would be granted on humanitarian grounds during the Buddhist new year festival known as Thingyan Yangon: Myanmar’s president, on Tuesday, announced pardons for more than 8,500 prisoners, including three dozen jailed in political cases, as part of an annual amnesty marking the country’s …

Myanmar's Government begins releasing political prisoners, including NZ man, officials say
9 years, 2 months ago

Myanmar's Government begins releasing political prisoners, including NZ man, officials say

ABC  

Myanmar has begun releasing the first of about 100 prisoners, including a New Zealander and 34 others jailed on political charges, government officials say. The freeing of prisoners by the outgoing administration of President Thein Sein comes after US Assistant Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Myanmar to free all political prisoners during a visit on Monday. The amnesty boosts …

Myanmar's road to democracy: Renewed calls for president to honour pledge on political prisoners
9 years, 4 months ago

Myanmar's road to democracy: Renewed calls for president to honour pledge on political prisoners

ABC  

Myanmar's long road to democracy is yet to clear a significant hurdle — its poor record of political imprisonment. On October 23 after penning a letter from prison appealing to Myanmar's president U Thein Sein to release all political prisoners, he began a hunger strike. With less than a week until Myanmar's landmark election on November 8, Assistance Association for …

Myanmar: Still locking up political prisoners
9 years, 8 months ago

Myanmar: Still locking up political prisoners

Al Jazeera  

Despite reforms, lifting of sanctions and ‘opening’, political activists in Myanmar continue to face arrests. “Not only did he fail to keep this promise, since then scores of peaceful activists, human rights defenders and journalists have been arrested or imprisoned in connection with their peaceful activities,” Laura Haigh, Myanmar researcher-campaigner for Amnesty International, told Al Jazeera. “We should all welcome …

Myanmar releases prominent Rohingya political prisoner
10 years, 2 months ago

Myanmar releases prominent Rohingya political prisoner

Associated Press  

YANGON, Myanmar — Rights groups welcomed the release of a prominent Rohingya Muslim doctor who was arrested while trying to calm rioters during sectarian violence in western Myanmar, but noted Tuesday scores of political prisoners remain behind bars. Myanmar has freed more than 1,000 political prisoners since former military rulers handed over power four years ago, a move that has …

Myanmar president pledges to pardon more than 3,000 non-political prisoners
10 years, 5 months ago

Myanmar president pledges to pardon more than 3,000 non-political prisoners

ABC  

Myanmar president Thein Sein has pledged to pardon 3,073 prisoners a month before a Southeast Asian summit which US president Barack Obama and other leaders are expected to attend. It did not identify those pardoned, but Bo Kyi of the non-governmental group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said the amnesty did not include any political prisoners. "I heard there were …

Myanmar political prisoners freed as Sein leaves for US
11 years, 10 months ago

Myanmar political prisoners freed as Sein leaves for US

Firstpost  

Myanmar’s government has freed 23 political prisoners on Friday, the day President Thein Sein was due to leave for a landmark visit to the United States. Yangon: Myanmar’s government has freed 23 political prisoners on Friday, the day President Thein Sein was due to leave for a landmark visit to the United States. Thein Sein took over at the head …

In Myanmar, a winning hand for America
12 years, 2 months ago

In Myanmar, a winning hand for America

The Hindu  

The recent upturn in the United States’ relations with Myanmar — a key neighbour of India — was the outcome of years of diplomatic manoeuvring following the 1988 democracy uprising and the State Law and Order Restoration Council military government’s refusal to acknowledge the 1990 general election results. Those released included prominent political prisoners, including leaders of the 1988 democracy …

Myanmar frees at least 20 political prisoners
12 years, 8 months ago

Myanmar frees at least 20 political prisoners

India TV News  

Yangon, Jul 3: Myanmar's reformist government granted amnesties for at least 20 political prisoners today, but opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi called for the release of hundreds more still behind bars. Zaw Thet Htwe, who monitors prisoner releases for the opposition, said more than 20 of 46 detainees granted amnesties by President Thein Sein were prisoners of conscience, and …

Myanmar freeing 46 prisoners, Suu Kyi wants more
12 years, 8 months ago

Myanmar freeing 46 prisoners, Suu Kyi wants more

India TV News  

Myanmar, Jun 3: Back from her triumphant tour of Europe, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi stepped up calls Tuesday for the release of hundreds of political prisoners still behind bars. Suu Kyi's comments came in response to a state newspaper's report that President Thein Sein has granted amnesty to 46 prisoners who were expected to be freed from prisons …

Political prisoners remain jailed despite amnesty
12 years, 11 months ago

Political prisoners remain jailed despite amnesty

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Activists estimate that while the Burmese authorities claim to …

Still in the grip of Burma's tyrants
12 years, 11 months ago

Still in the grip of Burma's tyrants

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. "The main political prisoners have been released so the …

Myanmar frees hundreds of political prisoners
13 years, 2 months ago

Myanmar frees hundreds of political prisoners

Al Jazeera  

State media reports release of 651 political prisoners, including leader of 1988 pro-democracy uprising and an ex-PM. Myanmar’s government has begun releasing hundreds of prisoners, including many political detainees, pro-democracy activists say, as the country takes further steps towards political reform and ending its international isolation. Myanmar democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition party …

'Serious' rights violation persistes in Myanmar: UN
13 years, 5 months ago

'Serious' rights violation persistes in Myanmar: UN

Firstpost  

Serious human rights violations persist in Myanmar despite a mass amnesty for more than 6,300 prisoners including some political opponents, the UN rights envoy to the country has said. “Despite these positive developments, many ongoing and serious human rights issues remain to be addressed,” the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Tomas Ojea Quintana, said yesterday in a …

Myanmar releases dissidents, keeps many locked up
13 years, 5 months ago

Myanmar releases dissidents, keeps many locked up

The Hindu  

Myanmar freed an outspoken critic and a major ethnic rebel as it began releasing 6,300 convicts on Wednesday in its latest liberalising move, but kept several political detenus behind bars, dampening hopes for a broader amnesty. I am the strongest.” Relatives of convicts held emotional reunions with loved ones outside prisons around the country a day after the new civilian …

Myanmar starts to release prisoners
13 years, 5 months ago

Myanmar starts to release prisoners

Al Jazeera  

Dissident comedian among first to be freed as part of amnesty announced by the authorities for thousands of detainees. Aung San Suu Kyi, the Myanmar opposition leader, said ” We hope many more will be released…I’m really thankful for the release of political prisoners.” Zarganar was detained in 2008 after giving interviews to foreign media criticising the nation’s former military …

Myanmar Amnesty To More Than 6,300 Prisoners
13 years, 5 months ago

Myanmar Amnesty To More Than 6,300 Prisoners

India TV News  

Yangon, Oct 11: Myanmar state radio and television announced today that the country's president has granted amnesty to more than 6,300 prisoners in what appears to be the biggest step so far in a series of reform actions undertaken by the new elected government. The broadcasts said the releases would begin tomorrow, a religious holiday, but did not specify how …

Myanmar to free prisoners
13 years, 5 months ago

Myanmar to free prisoners

The Hindu  

Myanmar announced on Tuesday a mass prisoner amnesty, raising hope for the imminent release of hundreds of political detainees in what would be a major sign of change in the authoritarian state. The fate of the estimated 2,000 political prisoners, who include pro-democracy campaigners, journalists, monks and lawyers, has long been a top demand of Western nations that have imposed …

UN chief urges Myanmar to free political prisoners
14 years, 4 months ago

UN chief urges Myanmar to free political prisoners

The Hindu  

U.N. Secretary—General Ban Ki—moon urged Myanmar’s military government on Tuesday to release political prisoners before upcoming elections, saying “it is not too late” to make the polls more fair and inclusive. “We’ll be expecting that this election will be a fair one, a credible one and an inclusive one,” Mr. Ban told reporters in Bangkok at the start of a …

U.S., EU urge Myanmar to hold fair elections, release prisoners
14 years, 8 months ago

U.S., EU urge Myanmar to hold fair elections, release prisoners

The Hindu  

The United States and the European Union called on Myanmar on Friday to hold fair elections and release political prisoners. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi, representing the European Union, were attending the Association of South—East Asian Nations Regional Forum in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi. Myanmar should “put in place the necessary conditions …

Pro-democracy activists sentenced in Burma
16 years, 4 months ago

Pro-democracy activists sentenced in Burma

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Fourteen pro-democracy activists who tried …

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