The Facts
Myanmar's military on Monday announced that 3,113 prisoners, including 98 foreigners, were pardoned to celebrate the country's traditional Buddhist New Year. If found violating rules again, they would have to serve the remainder of their sentence with an additional penalty.
The junta statement, however, fell short of detailing whether opposition protesters or journalists arrested covering the military takeover in February 2021 are among those freed. At least 170 journalists have been arrested since the coup, the UN said.
The Spin
Narrative A
The Council's tradition of granting amnesty to thousands of detainees to mark the country's New Year on humanitarian grounds is a positive step towards improving relations with countries of freed foreign prisoners. In addition to this pardon, Myanmar released over 7K prisoners earlier this year to celebrate its 75th Independence Day.
Narrative B
While this is indeed great news for those freed and their families, the international community must not be deceived by Myanmar's New Year amnesty as thousands of political prisoners remain in jail. The junta is an authoritarian regime that has been arresting opposition and killing civilians to remain in power, it's time to take stronger action against the regime.
