Myanmar junta releases nearly 6,000 prisoners

ISTANBUL

Myanmar’s military government on Saturday announced a mass amnesty to release over 6,000 prisoners, marking the 77th anniversary of the country’s independence from Britain.

It remains unclear whether political prisoners, many of whom were detained for opposing the military since the February 2021 coup, are among those who would be released.

The coup, which ousted the government of Aung San Suu Kyi, triggered widespread protests and led to armed resistance.

According to state-run MRTV, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military government, approved the release of 5,864 Myanmar nationals and 180 foreign nationals, who will be deported.

Large-scale prisoner releases are customary in Myanmar during national holidays and important events.

Since the coup, 28,096 people have been arrested on political charges, with 21,499 still detained. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reports that at least 6,106 civilians have been killed by security forces, though this does not include casualties from ongoing fighting.