Myanmar

Myanmar Junta to Grant Amnesty to Nearly 6,000 Prisoners in Annual Tradition

Myanmar’s ruling junta announced the release of almost 6,000 prisoners as part of an annual amnesty to commemorate the country’s Independence Day on January 4, 2025, Arab News reported. This decision comes amid ongoing turmoil following the February 2021 coup that ousted the elected government. The junta’s statement revealed that over 5,800 inmates, including 180 foreigners, would be freed, although details regarding their convictions and nationalities were not disclosed.

Additionally, 144 individuals serving life sentences will have their terms reduced to 15 years. The military justified the pardons on “humanitarian and compassionate grounds.” This annual tradition of granting amnesty typically coincides with national holidays or Buddhist festivals. Last year, the junta released over 9,000 prisoners for the same occasion. During the Independence Day ceremony, deputy army chief Soe Win reiterated calls for peace and national unity, emphasizing the junta’s commitment to delayed democratic elections.

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