Yesterday, Myanmar’s military junta released over 3,300 prisoners in a mass amnesty to celebrate the Thingyan New Year festival. This came shortly after Aung San Suu Kyi was moved from prison to house arrest.
The head of the ruling military council, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, pardoned the prisoners, including 28 foreigners who will be deported. The remaining prisoners will have their sentences reduced by one-sixth, except for those convicted of serious crimes.
Amnesties like this are common on important holidays in Myanmar. Since the coup in February 2021, the junta has announced several releases during such occasions, following a tradition dating back to 1962.
Relatives of the prisoners gathered outside Insein Prison in Yangon as the pardoned detainees were released. The most notable release was Dr. Hkalam Samson, a Kachin Christian leader known for his advocacy for religious freedom and minority rights.
Other political prisoners, including members of the National League for Democracy, were also released. However, the junta’s attempts to appear merciful are increasingly at odds with the reality on the ground, as its power is being challenged in various regions of the country.
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