The Burmese military have announced an ‘amnesty’ for more than 7,000 people convicted under terrorism laws, reports Progressive Voice. The mass release of political prisoners was expected as part of propaganda efforts by the Burmese military as they rebrand themselves following sham elections at the end of 2025 and early 2026. The releases are not a sign of change or reform.
“The Burmese military, fighting for their survival, are cynically using political prisoners as a propaganda tool, this is not a sign of reform,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK. “The Burmese military should not be praised for releasing people who should never have been detained in the first place.”