Calls grow for release of all political prisoners

Tuesday’s release marked the 10th pardon granted during the term of President Thein Sein.

The release of the political prisoners was timed to coincide with the return of the President from his return from Britain and France.

“I guarantee to you that by the end of this year there will be no prisoners of conscience in Myanmar,” said the president in a speech during his visit to the UK.

The freed political prisoners comprised six released from Insein Prison, eight from Mandalay Prison, 16 from Myitkyina Prison, one from Hinthada Prison, five from Thayet Prison, one from Mawlamyine Prison, five from Myingyan Prison, five from Shwebo Prison, three from Kengtung Prison, eight from Thayawady Prison, one from Kyaukphyu Prison, 13 from Bhamo Prison and one from Hlayhlawin Prison Camp.

“I was arrested under Section 5 in 2003. I was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment. I spent over 10 years in prison. Political prisoners still remain in the prison and they should be released too. I don’t know how happy I feel,” said Win Zaw, one of those released on Tuesday.

Yan Naw Hsan, once with the Kachin Independence Army, was also freed by Tuesday’s pardon. 

“I was released from Insein Prison. I was arrested in Yangon under Section 17 (1) in 2012 and I was sentenced to three years imprisonment. I will return to my homeland,” he said.

Tin Maung Oo of the Ex-political Prisoners Group said released prisoners were being checked against the list of political prisoners compiled by the group. 

“We will check whether Yan Naw Hsan from the KIA was included in our list,” said Tin Maung Oo. “There were 172 political prisoners in jail [before Tuesday’s release] according to our list. Fifty-nine of the 73 released prisoners were on our list. According to that list, more than 100 political prisoners remain in jail.”

Ye Aung, of the government’s political prisoner scrutiny committee, said: “Political prisoners should not be released piecemeal. The President should release them all as quickly as possible. The gradual release of political prisoners causes mental distress to the families of those who remain in jail. We demand that the government immediately release all remaining prisoners of conscience.”  

The political prisoner scrutiny committee estimates that almost 100 prisoners of conscience remain behind bars. 

More than 1,000 political prisoners have been released so far under the new government, said Bo Kyi of the Mae-sot based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.