03 May 2023 – The Myanmar junta announced on Wednesday that it has pardoned a total of 2,135 prisoners incarcerated for incitement under Section 505a of the Penal Code in an amnesty to mark the Buddhist Vesak holiday.
Statement on the inmates’ release signed by military council secretary Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dwe said the act was intended “to bring peace of mind” and was carried out “in consideration of humanitarian grounds.”
Section 505a, which carries a maximum three-year sentence, is used by the junta to charge anti-coup activists and dissidents. Myanmar Now is gathering further information on political detainees released under the amnesty in prisons across the country.
A few weeks ago, the junta also released over 3,000 inmates, including 98 foreigners, in an amnesty over the traditional Myanmar New Year.
