Myanmar liberates 3,000 prisoners, ex-military intelligence figures included

The reformist regime, which is in the process of preparing to host a landmark November meeting of international and regional leaders, has granted a series of amnesties as part of dramatic reforms since the end of outright military rule in 2011. President Thein Sein pardoned some 3,073 people, including 58 foreign nationals, citing ‘stability of the state, the rule of law’ and ‘humanitarian’ grounds, according to a Facebook post Tuesday by Information Minister Ye Htut.

One prisoner held on political grounds was among those freed, according to Ye Aung, a representative of the Former Political Prisoners Support Group, which is working closely with the government on negotiating the release of remaining dissidents.’ We only can confirm the release of one political prisoner from Myitkyina prison.