Bill seeks military approval for amnesty
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Lower House MP Thein Nyunt has proposed a bill to parliament which seeks military approval of the general amnesty granted to political prisoners.
President Thein Sein granted amnesty to 13,274 prisoners since he came to power in 2011, winning wide international approval.
The amnesty bill, submitted to the ninth session of parliament on Monday, seeks the approval of the National Defence and Security Council or armed forces, as outlined by the current constitution.
“We welcome and support the amnesty granted by the president in line with the Article 204 (b) of the constitution and recognise it. But this article is not enough for national reconciliation and transition to democracy.
“This is why, I will try on to realise this proposal in parliament,” MP Thein Nyunt said.
Article 204 (b) of the current constitution gives the president power to grant amnesty in accord with the recommendations of the National Defence and Security Council.
Ratifying the amnesty in accord with the Constitution guarantees that political prisoners are released without conditions that could lead to future incarceration.
MP Thein Nyunt submitted this proposal in the previous session of the Union Assembly after deciding the opportune time.
The last general amnesty was granted in 1963, excluding prisoners who were jailed for murder and rape cases.
