Myanmar junta to release 23,184 prisoners under New Year amnesty

Yangon, Apr 17: On the occasion of traditional New year, the Myanmar junta has decided to release 23,184 prisoners from jails across the country on Saturday under a New Year amnesty, said a Prisons Department spokesman. However, few if any democracy activists arrested since Feb 1 coup were thought to be among them.

 

 

 

Myanmar, on Saturday, celebrates the first day of the traditional New Year and the last day of a five-day holiday that is usually celebrated with visits to Buddhist temples and rowdy water throwing and partying in the streets. The pro-democracy activists have called for cancellation of the festivities this year and instead for people to focus on a campaign to restore democracy after the military's ouster of the elected govt of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

 

 

 

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group, while the military was freeing thousands of prisoners, it was also seeking 832 people on warrants in connection with the protests.

 

Among those the military seeking are 200 people, including several internet celebrities, actors and singers who have spoken out against the coup, wanted on a charge of encouraging dissent in the armed forces, which can carry a three-year jail term.