Myanmar’s military government has announced the release of 5,864 prisoners, including 180 foreign nationals, in an Independence Day amnesty marking the nation’s 77 years of freedom from British colonial rule. The announcement was made via state-run MRTV on Saturday.
The military stated that the decision was taken on “humanitarian and compassionate grounds,” with life sentences of 144 prisoners being reduced to 15 years. The nationalities of the foreign detainees remain undisclosed, but reports suggest that four Thai fishermen detained in November near the Myanmar-Thailand maritime border may be among those freed.
Thailand’s Prime Minister expressed optimism about their release coinciding with the national celebration.
Amnesty initiatives in Myanmar have become customary during significant holidays or Buddhist festivals. Last year, over 9,000 prisoners were released for Independence Day, following similar actions in 2021.
However, the release excludes prominent political prisoners, such as Nobel laureate and former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains imprisoned on multiple charges totaling 27 years.
In Naypyidaw, the military-led Independence Day ceremony featured 500 government and military representatives. Military Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing’s speech, delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Soe Win, called for peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts with ethnic armed groups.
Myanmar has faced heightened unrest since the 2021 military coup, with widespread resistance and rebel forces capturing key regions. The amnesty comes amid growing domestic and international criticism of the military’s continued suppression of pro-democracy efforts.
