Over 6,000 inmates have been liberated in Myanmar as part of a pardon commemorating the 77th year of the nation’s independence from British colonial rule.
The leader of Myanmar’s military regime has approved amnesties for 5,864 prisoners within the Southeast Asian nation, in addition to 180 foreign nationals who are set to be deported, as reported by state-controlled media.
The liberated individuals comprised a mere fraction of the numerous political prisoners detained for resisting military authority since the armed forces took control from the elected administration of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Since February 2021, when the military assumed power, there has been significant peaceful opposition, which has escalated into a widespread armed conflict.
Inmates exiting Insein Prison in Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, via bus. Pic: AP
A freed inmate waves after leaving the prison. Pic: AP
The release process commenced on Saturday, as buses transported detainees away from Insein Prison in Yangon. Numerous individuals were welcomed back by family members holding up signs displaying their names.
Should the liberated inmates reoffend, they will be required to serve the remainder of their original sentences in addition to any new sentences, as outlined in the terms of their release.
In a separate statement, MRTV reported that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the government leader, has also shortened the life sentences of 144 inmates to 15 years.
Family members displayed signs showcasing their loved ones’ names as the buses arrived. Pic: AP
Pic: AP
Sentences for all other inmates have been decreased by one-sixth, except for those convicted under the Explosive Substances Act, the Unlawful Associations Act, the Arms Act, and the Counterterrorism Law—legislation frequently utilized against dissidents challenging military governance.
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a human rights organization, reported that since the military’s assumption of power, 28,096 individuals have been arrested on political grounds, with 21,499 still incarcerated as of Friday.
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Released inmates are embraced by relatives and friends. Pic: AP
Zaw Min Tun, a representative of the military authority, informed reporters that the individuals released include approximately 600 persons who had been prosecuted under a statute prohibiting the dissemination of information that incites public disorder or fear, along with false reporting.
There has been no indication that the individuals freed included Myanmar’s former leader Suu Kyi, who, now at the age of 79, is currently serving a 27-year sentence for a series of politically motivated charges.
Aung San Suu Kyi. File pic: Reuters
The majority of the foreigners who are being released are Thai nationals detained for gambling in a border community, the spokesperson mentioned.
It is not unusual for Myanmar to commemorate holidays and important events through the release of prisoners.
The nation became a British colony in the late 19th century and reclaimed its independence on January 4, 1948.
