Myanmar’s generals say that to celebrate Wesak, a big Buddhist holiday, they have released more than 2,000 political prisoners. The military said that 2,153 people who were in jail for “incitement” would be let out for “humanitarian reasons,” Myanmar Now reported on Wednesday, citing a statement signed by Lieutenant General Aung Lin Dwe of the Military Council. Since Aung San Suu Kyi’s government was overthrown in a coup in February 2021, the Myanmar military has used deadly force against its opponents and jailed thousands of people.
Those who are charged with inciting violence could spend up to three years in jail. It wasn’t clear when the prisoners would be freed, but their families waited outside Yangon’s Insein Prison, where many political prisoners are held, waiting for their freedom. Thursday is Wesak Day, which is the birthday of Buddha. During big holidays, the military often gives out amnesties. It let more than 3,000 prisoners go last month to celebrate the traditional New Year, but it didn’t say at the time that political prisoners would be among those set free. The latest pardon came a day after Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang visited Myanmar and talked with coup leader Min Aung Hlaing. He was the most senior Chinese official to visit the country since the military took power more than two years ago.
Chinese state TV reported that Qin told Min Aung Hlaing that Beijing gave its “friendship” with Myanmar “great importance.” The two men also agreed to “further promote a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries,” according to CGTN. Since the coup, the bloodshed has only gotten worse. Armed resistance has taken hold in many parts of the country, and the military has used air strikes that have killed people, including children.
