Myanmar's political situation

Myanmar's military junta pardons over 6,000 prisoners

Myanmar's military junta has pardoned more than 6,100 prisoners in connection with the country's 78th independence day, Reuters reports. According to state television, the amnesty also includes 52 foreign nationals who are to be deported.

It is unclear whether some of the thousands of political prisoners held since the 2021 military coup are among those released. A full list of those released has not been released.

According to the human rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 22,000 people are imprisoned for political reasons in Myanmar.

The pardon comes at the same time as the junta is conducting a month-long three-phase election, which critics describe as a sham process.

The military-backed USD party is leading sharply after the first round.

Myanmar's military junta pardons over 6,000 prisoners

Myanmar's military junta has pardoned more than 6,100 prisoners in connection with the country's 78th independence day, Reuters reports. According to state television, the amnesty also includes 52 foreign nationals who are to be deported.

It is unclear whether some of the thousands of political prisoners held since the 2021 military coup are among those released. A full list of those released has not been released.

According to the human rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 22,000 people are imprisoned for political reasons in Myanmar.

The pardon comes at the same time as the junta is carrying out a month-long three-phase election, which critics describe as a sham process.

The military-backed USD party is leading significantly after the first round.