Myanmar Releases Nearly 6,000 Prisoners in Amnesty

On Myanmar's independence day, the junta announced the release of nearly 6,000 prisoners, including 180 foreigners, as part of an annual amnesty. The amnesty follows years of unrest since the military coup in February 2021, which led to the arrest of thousands of activists and protesters. While many prisoners were released under Section 505(a) for actions deemed to undermine the military, only a small number of political detainees were included in this amnesty. The released foreigners primarily consisted of Thai nationals, with 151 repatriated after being detained for illegal fishing. The junta's decree also commuted life sentences for 144 inmates and reduced sentences for others, although details on the majority of those released remain unclear. Mass releases are customary in Myanmar during national holidays, reflecting the ongoing humanitarian challenges in the country.