No political prisoners among 173 individuals released from Rakhine state prisons

Narinjara News, April 18, 2023

The Military Council pardoned more than 3,000 prisoners in an amnesty from all over Myanmar on New Year's Day. Among them, 173 prisoners were released from each prison located in Rakhine State.

Those who were released were 17 from Sittwe Prison, 124 from Buthidaung Prison (comprising 76 men and 48 women). 19 from Kyauk Phyu prison (consisting of 15 men and 4 women), 13 from Thandwe prison.

According to family members, none of the individuals released were political prisoners or those detained in connection with the Arakan Army (AA).

More than 3,000 prisoners from various prisons nationwide, including foreign prisoners, were exempted from punishment under Section 401 sub-section (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code by the Military Council Order No. 28/2023.

As a condition of their release, the pardoned prisoners have agreed to abide by certain terms, including a provision stipulating that if they re-offend, they will be required to serve their original sentences in addition to any new penalties imposed.

Today's Myanmar Alin newspaper reported that 98 foreigners were released, including 5 Sri Lankans from Insein prison.

According to former political prisoners, the recent release of 3,015 individuals has included many convicted criminals and no political prisoners.