As part of an amnesty commemorating the Southeast Asian country’s independence day, Myanmar’s military government will free 5,864 prisoners, including 180 foreigners, according to state media on Saturday.
Since the military toppled an elected civilian government and brutally put down pro-democracy demonstrations in early 2021, igniting a nationwide armed uprising, Myanmar has been in turmoil.
Although the junta has declared that elections will take place this year, opposition organizations have largely denounced the plan as a farce.
Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the nation’s former leader, is one of those still detained by the junta.
The 79-year-old is currently serving a 27-year sentence related to 14 criminal charges, which include corruption, election fraud, and incitement. Her attorneys say she denies all the charges.
