YANGON: Myanmar yesterday pardoned dozens of political prisoners, activists said, a day after the European Union agreed to end almost all sanctions against the former pariah state.
At least 59 political prisoners were included in the latest amnesty, Bo Kyi of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) said.
“More than 200 political prisoners are still in prison,” he added. “Political prisoners should be recognised as political prisoners and be released unconditionally.”
The amnesty included 40 former rebels from eastern Shan state jailed for drug trafficking, he said, describing them as “victims of politics”.
Another activist, Nyan Lin from the 88 Generation group, confirmed that at least 30 political prisoners were released.
His figure included 17 Muslims arrested and charged under the emergency act after religious clashes in the central town of Kyaukse in 2003.
A Myanmar government official said that in total 93 inmates -- including three foreigners -- were pardoned, but did not identify them.
“This release aims to allow them to participate in building the country and is also based on humanitarian grounds,” he said.
State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said the United States welcomed the latest release.
AFP
