Myanmar set free dozens of political prisoners on Monday in an amnesty that coincided with the historic visit of President Barack Obama.
At least 44 political prisoners, including several prominent human rights activists, were among 66 detainees released, said former prisoner of conscience Soe Tun. The amnesty order was announced by state television on Sunday. It was the latest in a string of prisoner releases since the reformist government of President Thein Sein took office last year. Among those freed was Myint Aye, 62, the director of the Human Rights Defenders and Promoters Organisation who was serving a life sentence.
Myint Aye said he and another prominent political detainee, Ye Zaw Htaik, were released from Loikaw Prison in Kayah state.
At least 44 political prisoners, including several prominent human rights activists, were among 66 detainees released, said former prisoner of conscience Soe Tun. The amnesty order was announced by state television on Sunday. It was the latest in a string of prisoner releases since the reformist government of President Thein Sein took office last year. Among those freed was Myint Aye, 62, the director of the Human Rights Defenders and Promoters Organisation who was serving a life sentence.
Myint Aye said he and another prominent political detainee, Ye Zaw Htaik, were released from Loikaw Prison in Kayah state.