Mizzima
Sources have confirmed the release of Dr. Ye Lwin, the former Mayor of Mandalay, and Kyaw Zeya, a member of the Mandalay Municipal Committee, from Mandalay Obo Prison. Both were released around 2:30 pm on 4 January and are reported to be in good health.
Dr. Ye Lwin, aged 72, and Kyaw Zeya, aged 44, had been detained on 1 February, 2021, the day the military took control of the country. They were charged with inciting national unrest under Section 505 (b) of the penal code and were sentenced to two years in prison on 8 December, 2021.
Subsequently, on 31 October, 2022, nearing the conclusion of their initial release period, both individuals faced renewed charges under Article 409 for the alleged embezzlement of state funds. They were sentenced to an additional two years in prison but have now been released through the amnesty granted this week by the Military Council.
During the tenure of the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, Dr. Ye Lwin, who served as a city councilor in the Mandalay Region government, garnered substantial public support for his actions and was widely trusted and respected by the city’s residents.
Presently, Mandalay Region Chief Minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, aged 73 and battling leukemia, and Mandalay Region Minister of Electric Power Zarni Aung remain incarcerated in Mandalay Obo Prison, alongside other political prisoners. Concerns have been raised about their inadequate access to healthcare, as reported by those who have been released.
On 4 January, the Military Council declared the pardon of 9,652 inmates, including the release of 114 foreign prisoners, in commemoration of the 76th Independence Day.
