Myanmar Junta Frees Over 7,000 ‘Terrorism’ Convicts in Mass Amnesty

Myanmar Junta Frees Over 7,000 ‘Terrorism’ Convicts in Mass Amnesty
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Myanmar’s military junta granted amnesty on Monday, March 2, 2026, releasing more than 7,300 prisoners convicted under laws prohibiting the financing of or support for “terrorist groups,” a label the regime uses for pro-democracy activists and armed groups opposing its rule.

Since the 2021 military coup, thousands of civilians, including supporters of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, have been jailed, South China Morning Post reported. Activists and armed factions challenging the junta have faced life sentences and, in some cases, potential death penalties under the country’s broad anti-terror legislation.

A government statement said junta chief Min Aung Hlaing ordered the releases to mark a public holiday, citing “the peace of mind of the general public” and “humanitarian grounds.” An AFP journalist at Yangon’s Insein Prison, notorious for rights abuses, observed about 300 prisoners being released, welcomed by emotional relatives holding flowers and placards.

In addition to those freed, the junta announced that nearly 12,500 people facing trial on similar terrorism charges will have their cases dropped. Another amnesty covered more than 2,800 prisoners and 10 foreign nationals, though specific offenses were not disclosed.

Analysts say the amnesties may be part of a broader effort to soften the junta’s image ahead of a nominally civilian government transition after elections in January, which saw the pro-military party secure an uncontested victory while Suu Kyi remains detained. The new parliament is scheduled to convene in two weeks, with a presidential vote expected in early April.