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 sanctions on Myanmar. More than 6,300 elderly, sick, disabled or well-behaved prisoners will be pardoned from Wednesday “on humanitarian grounds”, state television announced, without saying whether political prisoners would be among them. I'm now praying for the release not only of my brother but everyone,” Ma Nyein, sister-in-law of comedian Zarganar, one of Myanmar's best known political detenus, told AFP.

Prisoners Myanmar Political Prisoners  official  free  political  afp  told  release  detenus  western  zarganar  announced  myanmar  prisoners

History of this topic

A Myanmar online news site says its jailed journalist is tortured for revealing abuses of prisoners
3 weeks, 3 days ago

A Myanmar online news site says its jailed journalist is tortured for revealing abuses of prisoners

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — An independent online news agency in Myanmar said Friday that one of its journalists arrested two years ago has been subjected to daily physical and mental abuse after exposing human rights violations in the country’s main prison where he’s being held. Sai Zaw Thaike was mistreated for allegedly exposing human rights abuses by prison staff of fellow political …

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 releases 6,000 prisoners, reduces sentences for 77th Independence Day
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Myanmar releases 6,000 prisoners, reduces sentences for 77th Independence Day

Hindustan Times  

Myanmar’s military government has released more than 6,000 prisoners and has reduced other inmates’ sentences as part of a mass amnesty marking the 77th anniversary of independence from Britain on Saturday. Relatives celebrate with a released prisoner outside Insein prison on Myanmar's Independence Day They included just a small proportion of hundreds of political detainees jailed for opposing army rule …

Myanmar releases thousands of prisoners to mark Independence Day
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Myanmar releases thousands of prisoners to mark Independence Day

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Myanmar’s military government has released more than 6,000 prisoners and has reduced other inmates’ sentences as part of a mass amnesty marking the 77th anniversary of independence from Britain on Saturday. They included just a small proportion of hundreds of political detainees jailed for opposing army rule since the military seized power in February 2021 from the elected …

Myanmar’s military regime to free nearly 6,000 prisoners in amnesty
2 months, 3 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, 3 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 …

A prominent Myanmar Christian leader is released from prison for a second time in 4 months
8 months ago

A prominent Myanmar Christian leader is released from prison for a second time in 4 months

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — A prominent Christian church leader and human rights advocate from Myanmar’s Kachin ethnic minority was released from prison earlier this week, a member of a Kachin peace organization said Wednesday. Samson, a former head of the Kachin Baptist Convention, also chairs the Kachin National Consultative Assembly, an umbrella organization uniting religious and civil society groups with political organizations …

Myanmarese in Manipur detention centre sit on hunger strike, demand release
8 months ago

Myanmarese in Manipur detention centre sit on hunger strike, demand release

Hindustan Times  

Imphal: Around 100 Myanmar nationals currently staying in a detention centre in Manipur have begun a hunger strike, demanding their release, officials said. Manipur Central Jail superintendent Sorokhaibam Bhadrika said that the Manipur Jail does not have the authority to release them as they were penalised by the court under section 14 of the Foreigners Act. “The detainees demanded to …

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 …

Son of Aung San Suu Kyi launches new campaign to free jailed Myanmar leader
1 year, 4 months ago

Son of Aung San Suu Kyi launches new campaign to free jailed Myanmar leader

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 The son of imprisoned leader …

Myanmar reduces some of ousted leader’s prison sentences
1 year, 7 months ago

Myanmar reduces some of ousted leader’s prison sentences

LA Times  

Myanmar’s military-led government has reduced the prison sentences of ousted leaderAung San Suu Kyi in a clemency connected to a religious holiday in the Buddhist-majority country, state media said Tuesday. The head of Myanmar’s military council, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, granted the clemency order to reduce the sentences in five cases against Suu Kyi in which she was convicted …

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 …

Myanmar releases 4 foreigners in broad prisoner amnesty
2 years, 4 months ago

Myanmar releases 4 foreigners in broad prisoner amnesty

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Myanmar’s military-controlled government released an Australian academic, a Japanese filmmaker, an ex-British diplomat and an American on Thursday as part of a broad prisoner amnesty that also freed many local citizens held for protesting the army takeover. Australian Sean Turnell, Japan’s Toru Kubota, Briton Vicky Bowman, and American Kyaw Htay Oo were among 5,774 prisoners being freed on …

Myanmar military releasing Turnell, Kubota, Bowman: Reports
2 years, 4 months ago

Myanmar military releasing Turnell, Kubota, Bowman: Reports

Al Jazeera  

Military says it is releasing and deporting four foreigners as part of a prisoner amnesty to mark Myanmar’s National Victory Day. Myanmar’s state-run MRTV reported on Thursday that Australian Sean Turnell, Japan’s Toru Kubota, Briton Vicky Bowman and American Kyaw Htay Oo were among 5,774 prisoners who were being released. The British embassy in Yangon said Bowman had not yet …

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 …

Myanmar executions are a grim portend
2 years, 7 months ago

Myanmar executions are a grim portend

Hindustan Times  

The Myanmar junta’s decision to hang four of its opponents, including two prominent pro-democracy activists, over the weekend has been met with a wave of opprobrium from around the world. The first executions in Myanmar since 1988 showed that the country’s military leadership cares very little about international sanctions and vociferous criticism of the coup it carried out last year …

Myanmar could see first executions in decades as junta says death sentences of two activists upheld
2 years, 9 months ago

Myanmar could see first executions in decades as junta says death sentences of two activists upheld

CNN  

Yangon, Myanmar CNN — Two men will be executed in Myanmar by the military junta after their death sentence appeals were denied, the junta said Saturday, in what would mark the first judicial executions in the country in decades. “It’s confirmed that Phyo Zayar Thaw and Jimmy would be on the execution list,” junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun told CNN, …

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 …

Myanmar pardons celebrities jailed for expressing anti-military views
3 years ago

Myanmar pardons celebrities jailed for expressing anti-military views

LA Times  

Award-winning Myanmar actor Pyay Ti Oo is one of several celebrities who were detained for criticizing the military’s seizure of power. Several top Myanmar celebrities who were detained for criticizing the military’s seizure of power were released from prison Wednesday under pardons issued by the ruling junta, state-run television reported. The celebrities released from Insein Prison in Yangon include prominent …

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 …

In Partial Pardon By Myanmar Court, Aung San Suu Kyi's Jail Term Halved to 2 Yrs
3 years, 3 months ago

In Partial Pardon By Myanmar Court, Aung San Suu Kyi's Jail Term Halved to 2 Yrs

The Quint  

A court in Myanmar on Tuesday, 7 December, halved the prison sentence of the country's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to two years, on charges of inciting public unrest and breaching COVID rules, Reuters reported. Suu Kyi, however, is on trial for many more charges and could face up to 102 years in jail if found guilty of all …

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 …

US sanctions 22, including Myanmar ministers, for military coup
3 years, 8 months ago

US sanctions 22, including Myanmar ministers, for military coup

Al Jazeera  

Several government ministers, military coup leaders and adult members of their families are among those being targeted. The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on 22 individuals including four Myanmar government ministers in response to the February military coup and attacks against the country’s pro-democracy movement. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the new sanctions were …

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 …

Is Myanmar getting away with killing off dissidents?
3 years, 9 months ago

Is Myanmar getting away with killing off dissidents?

Al Jazeera  

On Wednesday, June 16 at 19:30GMT: Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army seized power in February, claiming without evidence that an election in which the National League of Democracy party retained power was fraudulent. Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Myanmar under the NLD, has gone on trial accused of several crimes including violating coronavirus …

Myanmar People Slam ASEAN-junta Consensus to End Violence, but No Immediate Protests
3 years, 11 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 …

ASEAN urged to consider Myanmar’s expulsion over coup abuses
3 years, 11 months ago

ASEAN urged to consider Myanmar’s expulsion over coup abuses

Al Jazeera  

Analysts and former diplomats say Saturday’s summit in Jakarta could be the most consequential in the regional bloc’s 54-year history. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who led the February 1 coup that deposed Myanmar’s democratically-elected government, is expected to participate in Saturday’s summit of the 10-member ASEAN alongside seven head of states. “Min Aung Hlaing should face a courtroom for …

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 junta frees hundreds held for anti-coup protests
4 years 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 …

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 …

US calls detentions in Myanmar a coup, promises sanctions
4 years, 1 month ago

US calls detentions in Myanmar a coup, promises sanctions

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 The military detention of Myanmar’s …

Myanmar soldiers jailed for Rohingya massacre freed after months
5 years, 9 months ago

Myanmar soldiers jailed for Rohingya massacre freed after months

Al Jazeera  

Troops released in November 2018 after serving less than one year of their 10-year prison terms, Reuters report says. Myanmar has granted early release to seven soldiers jailed for the killing of 10 Rohingya men and boys during a 2017 military crackdown in the western state of Rakhine, two prison officials, two former fellow inmates and one of the soldiers …

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, …

Jailed Reuters journalists freed in Myanmar
5 years, 10 months ago

Jailed Reuters journalists freed in Myanmar

India TV News  

Two Reuters journalists, who were jailed after reporting a massacre carried out by Myanmar's military forces against the Rohingya Muslim minority, were freed on Tuesday after more than 500 days in prison. Locked up since 2017, the journalists, who received this year's Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting, were freed on Tuesday morning after they received a presidential pardon earlier this …

Myanmar releases Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo from prison; duo among thousands granted amnesty by president
5 years, 10 months ago

Myanmar releases Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo from prison; duo among thousands granted amnesty by president

Firstpost  

Myanmar on Tuesday released Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo from prison, 512 days after they were sent to jail for working on an investigative report on the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys in a village in Rakhine state. Myanmar released two imprisoned Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo 512 days after they …

UN chief Antonio Guterres urges Myanmar to pardon Reuters reporters sentenced to seven years, says it is 'not acceptable'
6 years, 6 months ago

UN chief Antonio Guterres urges Myanmar to pardon Reuters reporters sentenced to seven years, says it is 'not acceptable'

Firstpost  

Guterres said it was “not acceptable” for Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, to be jailed “for what they were doing” as journalists in Myanmar. United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Friday said he hoped that Myanmar’s government will pardon two Reuters journalists who were sentenced to seven years in jail after they reported on massacres in Rakhine …

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 …

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