YANGON: Myanmar’s military government announced on Saturday the release of over 6,000 prisoners as part of a mass amnesty, coinciding with the 77th anniversary of the country’s independence from British rule. The move is part of a customary practice of granting amnesties during significant national events and holidays.

According to Philippines News Agency, the state-run media outlet MRTV reported that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, sanctioned the release of 5,864 Myanmar nationals along with 180 foreign nationals, the latter of whom will be deported. However, it remains uncertain whether the amnesty will extend to political prisoners, many of whom have been detained since the military coup in February 2021. The coup, which deposed the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, led to widespread civil unrest and the emergence of armed resistance across the nation.

Since the military assumed control, the human rights situation in Myanmar has drawn significant international attention. Large-scale arrests have been a hallmark of the junta’s response to dissent, with 28,096 individuals reportedly detained on political charges since the coup. Of these, 21,499 remain incarcerated. In addition, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners has documented at least 6,106 civilian deaths at the hands of security forces, although this figure does not account for those lost in ongoing conflicts within the country.

The recent announcement underscores the ongoing complexities and challenges facing Myanmar as the international community continues to call for the restoration of democratic governance and the release of political prisoners.