Myanmar Military Government Grants Mass Amnesty, Releases Over 6,000 Prisoners on Independence Day

CGC News Reporter January 5, 2025

Myanmar’s military government has released more than 6,000 prisoners, including 180 foreigners, as part of a mass amnesty marking the 77th anniversary of the country’s independence from Britain on Saturday. The amnesty was granted by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, who also reduced the sentences of other inmates.

While the amnesty is common during significant national holidays, it included only a small number of political detainees imprisoned for opposing the military coup in February 2021, which ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Since the coup, the country has experienced widespread resistance, which has evolved into an ongoing armed struggle.

According to state-run MRTV television, a total of 5,864 prisoners from Myanmar and 180 foreigners, mostly Thais and Indonesians, were set to be deported. The terms of the amnesty stipulate that those released could be required to serve the remainder of their sentences if they violate the law again.

In addition to the general amnesty, 144 prisoners serving life sentences had their sentences commuted to 15 years, and the sentences of other prisoners were reduced by one-sixth, except for those convicted under laws often used to target political opponents of the military.

Among those released was Khet Aung, a former chief minister of Kachin state, who had been sentenced to 12 years in prison on corruption charges after the military’s takeover. The release sparked questions about the fate of four Thai fishermen, detained by Myanmar’s navy in November, though the Thai government had expected their release as part of the amnesty.