Myanmar to release more than 7,000 detainees on Independence Day

Photo: Anadolu Agency

Myanmar's military regime will release around 7,000 detainees to celebrate Independence Day.

The Myanmar Now news website said that the military rulers released 7,012 detainees from jails around the country on Wednesday for "the peace of mind of the public, being considerate of social circumstances, and in commemoration of the country's Independence Day."

The junta administration added, however, that anybody convicted of alleged "terrorism, the use of explosives, unlawful association, corruption, murder, or drugs" would not be released.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, celebrates Independence Day on January 4, commemorating 1948, when the Buddhist-majority nation gained independence from British domination.

According to reports, other individuals have already been released, including Thura Aung Ko, the former minister of religious affairs for the National League for Democracy (NLD).

Locally known as Tatmadaw, the Burmese military tried a coup in February 2021, which was met with significant civil unrest. Despite UN warnings that the nation had fallen into civil war, the junta mercilessly suppressed protesters.

Since the military took power in Myanmar, at least 2,316 people, including 188 children, have been slain, according to the UN office for human rights.

Thousands more others were imprisoned, including the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been detained for 33 years.

On New Year's Day, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing presented "prestigious national awards" to his predecessors and the Buddhist monk U Wirathu, who has been termed the "face of Buddhist terror."

Myanmar's first post-independence dictator, Gen. Ne Win, and his successors, Gens. The military ruler rewarded Sein Lwin and Senior Gen. Saw Maung.

Publish : 2023-01-04 18:52:00

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