Myanmar’s junta chief pardoned 4,893 prisoners on Thursday to mark the country’s traditional new year, state media reported.
The junta also said in a separate statement that it would release 13 foreigners who will be deported from Myanmar.
Around 22,197 political detainees, including Myanmar’s civilian leader , have been in detention as of last week, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an independent watchdog in Myanmar.
However, it was not immediately clear how many political detainees, held for critisizing the military government, were released as part of the .
What else do we know about the release of prisoners?
At least 19 buses carrying prisoners departed , where family members and friends had gathered since early Thursday to welcome them.
Another local watchdog, the Political Prisoners Network, confirmed that at least 22 political prisoners had been released. However, the military government statement did not mention an exact figure.
According to the terms of release, the freed detainees would have to serve the rest of their initial sentences and a new sentence if they violate the law again.
Other prisoners had their , except those convicted of serious crimes like murder and rape or charged under various security laws.
Junta chief to meet Malaysian Prime minister
The amnesty was announced ahead of the junta chief meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, which was set to take place in Bangkok later on Thursday.
Malaysia is this year’s ASEAN chair. has previously excluded junta leaders due to lack of peace efforts.
Although Anwar said he would meet the junta chief to discuss the safety of sent after last month’s .
Edited by: Zac Crellin
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