Myanmar Military Grants Amnesty to Over 10,000 Prisoners Ahead of Parliament Session

Kathmandu. Just as preparations are underway to convene the first session of parliament after more than five years, the military leadership of Myanmar has announced an amnesty for over 10,000 prisoners. According to state-run media, this decision, made on the occasion of Farmers' Day, is being viewed in a political context.

State-run MRTV television reported that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has pardoned 10,162 prisoners. Of these, 7,337 were convicted under the anti-terrorism law. A separate statement mentioned that 12,487 individuals facing trial or in hiding under the same law will also be pardoned, and the cases against them will be dropped.

The anti-terrorism law in question provides for penalties up to the death sentence. Since the military coup in 2021, this law has been widely used to suppress political opponents, journalists, and dissenting voices. Critics have alleged that the recently held elections were neither free nor fair. Against this backdrop, the amnesty announcement just before the parliamentary session is considered significant.

There is no indication that former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was ousted during the military takeover and is currently under house arrest-like conditions, will be released. The 80-year-old Suu Kyi is serving a 27-year sentence, which her supporters claim are politically motivated charges.

It was also announced that 10 foreign nationals from Myanmar will be released and deported. The release of prisoners began on Monday and is expected to continue for a few days. However, the list of those released has not been immediately made public.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an independent organization that compiles data on political prisoners, more than 22,800 political prisoners were in custody as of last Friday. Although Myanmar has a tradition of granting mass amnesties on national festivals or special occasions, this year's decision coming on the eve of the parliamentary session is considered noteworthy.