Myanmar’s military-led government has announced a large-scale amnesty following the appointment of President Min Aung Hlaing. State media confirmed that 4,335 prisoners will be released or have sentences reduced, including high-profile political figures.

A statement said former President Win Myint had been pardoned under specified conditions. Aung San Suu Kyi, the detained former state counsellor, has had her 27-year sentence reduced by one-sixth, according to her lawyer.

The amnesty, which coincides with customary national holidays, also includes sentence commutations and reductions across the prison system.

  • 4,335 prisoners granted amnesty, including 179 foreign nationals to be deported
  • Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment; life terms reduced to 40 years
  • One-sixth reduction applied to most remaining sentences
  • Rights groups estimate over 30,000 detained on political charges since 2021

In his inauguration address, Min Aung Hlaing said Myanmar is “heading towards a better future”, while acknowledging ongoing challenges.

ℹ️ Al Jazeera

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