Myanmar’s military government released more than 6,100 local prisoners and 52 foreign nationals on Sunday as part of an annual amnesty marking the country’s independence day.
The release came a week after the start of a multi-phase general election, which international observers have widely criticized as lacking credibility.
According to the National Defence and Security Council, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing issued pardons for 6,134 Myanmar citizens and ordered the release and deportation of 52 international prisoners. Authorities said the mass amnesty was granted on “humanitarian and compassionate grounds.”
Buses carrying those released departed Yangon’s Insein Prison early Sunday as families gathered outside with signs displaying the names of inmates they hoped to see freed. Some inmates waved from the buses, while others were seen reuniting with relatives amid tears.
“I am very happy to reunite with my family,” said Yazar Tun, 35, who said he served about eight months of a one-year sentence for loitering.
Insein Prison has long been known for reports of mistreatment of detainees. Some of those released said they were jailed for drug or theft-related offenses. Prominent model and former physician Nang Mwe San, detained in 2022 on charges of “harming culture and dignity,” also appeared among those freed, according to Agence France-Presse.
Myanmar regularly grants amnesties during national holidays and religious events. In January 2023, the military announced the release of nearly 6,000 people, while over 9,000 were freed this year. In a separate release last November, more than 3,000 were pardoned ahead of elections.
The election’s first phase began in late December, with the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party reporting a significant lead, claiming 90% of lower house seats declared to date. Voting is scheduled to continue on January 11 and 25.
The National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, did not participate, having been disbanded after the 2021 military coup. Suu Kyi has remained in detention since then. The 2020 election, which the National League for Democracy won in a landslide, was nullified by the military, which cited widespread fraud, claims that international monitors have rejected. Official figures report turnout for December’s vote exceeded 50%, below the roughly 70% participation level in 2020.
