Myanmar’s military authorities have announced a large-scale prisoner amnesty as the country observed its 78th Independence Day, ordering the release of more than 6,000 inmates from facilities across the nation.

According to Anadolu Ajansı, the junta-controlled National Defense and Security Council issued a directive granting amnesty to 6,134 prisoners and detainees held in prisons, labor camps, and detention centers nationwide. The order stated that the move was intended to mark Independence Day and to help “pacify the hearts and minds of the people” while upholding humanitarian principles.

In a separate decision, Myanmar’s acting president approved the pardon and deportation of 52 foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens, who were serving sentences in various detention facilities. The order said the measure was taken in observance of Independence Day and aimed at maintaining friendly relations with other countries while respecting humanitarian considerations.

The amnesty follows a similar move in November, when the military administration released more than 3,000 political detainees and dropped charges against thousands of others ahead of elections held in December. That announcement was widely seen as an attempt by the junta to ease political pressure amid ongoing domestic and international criticism.

Myanmar has remained in turmoil since the military seized power in a February 2021 coup, overthrowing the elected government led by the National League for Democracy (NLD). The takeover triggered mass protests and civil disobedience, which were met with a violent crackdown. Thousands have since been arrested, including former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has received cumulative prison sentences totaling 33 years.

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