Reports from international news organizations and conflict monitoring groups

Myanmar Junta to Release 5,864 Prisoners, Including 180 Foreigners, on 77th Independence Day

Jan 4, 2025, 06:00 AM

Myanmar's military government has announced the release of 5,864 prisoners, including 180 foreigners, under an amnesty to mark the country's 77th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule. The release is part of an annual tradition to commemorate holidays or significant occasions. The junta stated that the pardons were granted on 'humanitarian and compassionate grounds.' Additionally, the sentences of 144 prisoners serving life terms were commuted to 15 years. The military has not disclosed the specific charges against the prisoners or the nationalities of the foreign detainees, who are set to be deported upon release. This move comes amidst ongoing political turmoil in Myanmar, which has been in a state of unrest since the military coup in February 2021.