Burma announces release of 6,359 prisoners
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Rangoon - Burma's state media on Tuesday announced plans to release 6,359 prisoners "for the sake of the nation," with some prisoners of conscience expected to be among those amnestied.
State-controlled television and radio stations announced the amnesty, to go into effect on Wednesday, in their midday broadcasts.
Although the announcement from President Thein Sein's office did not specify whether political prisoners were to be included, some government officials said it was likely.
"We expect some well-known prisoners of conscience, like the comedian Zaganar, and some ethnic minority leaders, to be among those released," said one official who requested anonymity.
Military rulers had granted amnesties in the past, but only a handful of political prisoners were included in the past lists of those released.//DPA
