Myanmar president pardons over 4,300 prisoners in latest mass amnesty

The president of Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing, has approved an amnesty for 4,335 prisoners, according to state broadcaster MRTV. This marks the third such large-scale pardon in the past six months.

Authorities did not disclose the names of those released. Among them are 179 foreign nationals who are expected to be deported. Sentences have also been commuted: death penalties are being reduced to life imprisonment, life sentences reduced to 40 years, and other prisoners are receiving a one-sixth reduction in their terms.

According to the human rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), more than 30,000 people have been detained on political charges since the 2021 military takeover.

Those detained include former state leader Aung San Suu Kyi, former president Win Myint, and members of the National League for Democracy. Suu Kyi is currently serving a 27-year sentence on multiple charges that her supporters describe as politically motivated.

Since 2021, Myanmar’s authorities have periodically issued mass pardons. In November, more than 8,600 prisoners were released or had charges dropped, while in January, over 6,000 were freed.

Min Aung Hlaing was elected president on April 3. Amid the ongoing conflict in the country, he has stated that his priorities include peace, stability, and national reconciliation.