Myanmar's Military Junta Frees 2,100 Political Prisoners in Pardon

Myanmar's military council has released over 2,100 political prisoners as a humanitarian gesture on the occasion of the most important Buddhist holy day. However, thousands more remain imprisoned on charges related to nonviolent protests or criticism of military rule. The terms of the pardons warn that if the freed detainees violate the law again, they will have to serve the remainder of their original sentences in addition to whatever term they are given for their new offence. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of all individuals who have been arbitrarily detained for exercising their basic rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly or other human rights.