File Photo of Insein prison
Mizzima
Today, on Myanmar’s New Year’s Day, the Myanmar junta granted amnesty to 3,303 prisoners hailing from various correctional facilities and police stations across the country.
This release is dependent on Section 401(1) of the Criminal Code, contingent upon the condition that any recurrence of criminal activity will result in the resumption of their remaining sentences in addition to any new penalties.
In addition, the pardon includes the release and deportation of eight foreign prisoners.
As per the statements of the Military Council, this marks 15 pardons issued since the coup three years ago. Over the course of these pardons, including the current one, more than 95,000 prisoners have been released, although with only a handful of political detainees being among them.
Just ahead of the pardon, news has been released last night that Myanmar’s former State Counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi, currently serving a lengthy term in Naypyidaw Prison, and former President Win Myint, serving a similar term in Taunggoo Prison, were transferred from prison to high-security residences in Naypyidaw.
Since the coup on 1 February, 2021, the junta has arrested a total of 26,524 individuals in connection with their assumption of power. Presently, 20,351 individuals remain in detention, with 8,940 of them serving sentences, according to figures from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
