BANGKOK – In an event marking the 77th anniversary of its independence from British rule, Myanmar’s military junta has released over 6,000 prisoners and commuted the sentences of others. This mass amnesty took place on Saturday, coinciding with significant national observances.
Despite the large number of releases, only a small fraction of political prisoners who have been detained for resisting the military regime installed in February 2021 were included in this amnesty. The military’s power grab has since triggered a significant movement of nonviolent resistance that has escalated into an armed uprising against the ruling authority.
State television, MRTV, reported that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the chief of the military government, had granted amnesties to 5,864 prisoners within Myanmar and an additional 180 foreign nationals, who are set to be deported. It is a customary practice in Myanmar to implement mass prisoner releases during holidays and important national events.
Release conditions assert that if any freed individuals commit more offenses, they may face their original sentences along with new ones. Separately, reports indicated that Min Aung Hlaing has reduced the life sentences of 144 individuals to 15 years. However, the specific identities of those involved were not disclosed.
Additionally, the announcement indicated a general one-sixth reduction in sentences for remaining prisoners, excluding those serving time under stringent laws, such as the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Associations Act, which are frequently utilized against dissenters of the military’s regime.
Military government spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun noted in a statement that approximately 600 prisoners released were prosecuted under Section 505(A) of Myanmar’s penal code, which addresses the distribution of information that may incite public disorder or spread false news. Included among the freed individuals is Khet Aung, former chief minister of Kachin state, who was arrested shortly after the coup and sentenced to 12 years for corruption in April 2022.
Furthermore, Zaw Min Tun stated that most foreigners released were mainly Thai nationals apprehended for gambling in the border town of Tachileik, along with some Indonesians caught fishing in Myanmar’s waters. It remains unclear whether four Thai fishermen, taken into custody in late November, are part of this release, although Thailand’s prime minister had expressed hope for their freedom in line with the Independence Day celebrations.
Prison releases commenced on Saturday but may extend over several days. In Yangon, the main city of the country, buses arrived at Insein Prison to transport freed inmates, where friends and family had gathered in anticipation since dawn.
There is, however, no indication that Aung San Suu Kyi, the ousted leader, is part of this release effort. She has been virtually isolated since the military coup and is serving a 27-year sentence following a series of politically motivated trials.
Supporters and independent analysts argue these proceedings are aimed at delegitimizing her and justifying the military’s assumption of power while keeping her from participating in an anticipated election, which has yet to be scheduled.
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a human rights monitoring group, has reported that since the military takeover, approximately 28,096 individuals have faced political charges, with 21,499 still behind bars as of the latest update from Friday. The group also noted that at least 6,106 civilians have lost their lives due to actions taken by security forces during this tumultuous period, not accounting for all conflict-related casualties.
Myanmar was colonized by Britain in the late 19th century, eventually gaining independence on January 4, 1948. To commemorate this milestone in Naypyitaw, the military government also held a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall.
