YANGON, Myanmar – Myanmar’s military has begun releasing over 1,600 prisoners to commemorate the Southeast Asian country’s traditional New Year celebrations. Still, no political detainees have been released despite the country’s ruling general promising to restore peace this year.
According to an activist group, the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP), the military has arrested at least 13,282 people and killed 1,756 since the coup in February 2021.
“As part of Myanmar’s New Year celebrations, to bring joy to the people and address humanitarian concerns,” said Lieutenant General Aung Lin Dwe, a state secretary of the military government. “1,619 prisoners, including 42 detained foreigners, will be released under the amnesty,” he added.
After their release, the foreign detainees will be deported from Myanmar, he said in a statement.
According to Myanmar Prisons Department spokesman Khin Shwe, those released were primarily petty criminals and drug offenders.
This year, the amnesty was a fraction of the one granted a year ago, when 23,000 people were released from prison.
It was unclear whether any of the imprisoned members of the civilian government overthrown in the coup would be eligible for amnesty.
According to Tun Kyi, a senior member of the Former Political Prisoners Society, political detainees are held hostages by the military.
