As part of a new mass amnesty, the military junta in Myanmar announced the release of around 9,600 prisoners, including 114 foreigners. According to a statement from the military junta, the country wanted to highlight its “friendly relations with other countries”. The occasion is the country's Independence Day, military-loyal broadcaster Myawaddy Television reported today. It was initially unknown whether political prisoners would also be released.
Many relatives waited especially in front of the well-known Insein prison, in the largest city of Yangon (formerly Yangon). “More than 20 buses have already entered the prison to rescue those released,” a family member of one of the detainees told DPA. The woman therefore hoped that her younger sister would be released. “There are about 700 people waiting with me in front of the prison,” she explained.
Thousands were released multiple times
Since the military coup of February 1, 2021 and the dismissal of the de facto head of government, Aung San Suu Kyi, the generals have ruled with an iron fist. Suu Kyi is in prison and has been sentenced to a total of more than 30 years in prison for alleged crimes.
In recent months, the junta has repeatedly released thousands of prisoners to mark important holidays. These included prominent foreigners such as Australian economics professor and former adviser to Suu Kyi, Sean Turnell, and former British ambassador to the country, Vicky Bowman.