Myanmar’s military government has announced the release of nearly 6,000 prisoners as part of an annual amnesty, coinciding with the country’s independence day.
The amnesty includes 5,864 prisoners, 180 of whom are foreigners, but the government has not specified the identities of those released or the crimes they were convicted of.
It remains unclear whether political prisoners, many of whom were detained following the military coup in February 2021, are among those released.
Since the coup, Myanmar has been in a state of unrest, with widespread protests and civil disobedience campaigns against the military regime.
The junta has been accused of arresting thousands of activists, protesters, and civilians opposed to its rule. Human rights organizations report that over 16,000 people have been arrested since the coup, with many facing charges related to their participation in protests or opposition activities.
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) reports that many of those still detained face severe charges, including sedition and terrorism-related offenses.
Prominent political figures and activists, including members of the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD), remain in prison, leading to widespread international criticism.
The United Nations and Western countries have imposed sanctions on Myanmar, calling for the restoration of democracy and respect for human rights.