UCA News
Contribute

Myanmar frees more political prisoners

Government spokesman claims no more political prisoners, but figures remain unclear
Myanmar frees more political prisoners

One of the freed political activists, Htin Kyaw (C), walks out of jail. Picture: AFP Photo/Soe Than Win 

Published: January 01, 2014 03:57 AM GMT
Updated: January 01, 2014 09:24 PM GMT

Myanmar pardoned more political detainees on Tuesday, as part of President Thein Sein’s pledge to free all political prisoners by the end of 2013.

The official announcement did not state how many were to be released. Reports vary between three and seven, while most estimates agree there are still around 40 political prisoners behind bars and a further 200 facing trial or under investigation.

In the past two and a half years, Myanmar’s parliamentary government has freed more than 2,000 political detainees following five decades of military rule.

But presidential spokesman Ye Htut claimed that the amnesty, along with a separate pardon for five additional inmates jailed under other legislation, means there are now no political prisoners in Myanmar.

“I would like to say that the president has fulfilled his promised given to the people, there will be no political prisoners at the end of this year,” Ye Htut said in a post on his Facebook page.

State-run newspaper, New Light of Myanmar, reported that the pardon applies to people convicted of or charged with unlawful association, high treason and violation of peaceful assembly law. The presidential decree also halts any ongoing trails and investigations on those charges.

Thet Oo, an activist and former political prisoner confirmed that a number had been freed. “Five political prisoners were freed today from Yangon’s Insein and district prisons and more are expected to be released soon,” he said

Ye Aung, also a former detainee, is now a member of a new government-appointed panel which reviews the cases of remaining prisoners.

“We welcome the latest amnesty as the president is showing his commitment to release all political prisoners in 2013,” he said. “But we need to carry out the rehabilitation of the released political detainees as it is the crucial step for national reconciliation.” said Ye Aung who himself a former political detainee.

According to an AFP report, peace activists Yan Naing Tun and Aung Min Oo, who were recently sentenced to eight months in prison for marching to the rebel town of Laiza in strife-torn Kachin state, were greeted by jubilant supporters as they walked free yesterday.

"I respect the president for keeping his promise," Yan Naing Tun told reporters.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia