Myanmar’s military government has released more than 6,000 prisoners and has reduced other inmates’ sentences as part of a mass amnesty to mark the 77th anniversary of independence from Britain.

While the amnesty included around 600 political prisoners, it should not be taken as a sign of conciliation on the part of the military.

Myanmar's State Administration Council on Saturday (Jan 4) pardoned approximately 6,000 prisoners to mark the country's 77th Independence Day anniversary, according to the council's orders, reported Xinhua.

State-run television reported that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, granted amnesties covering 5,864 prisoners from Myanmar, as well as 180 foreigners who will be deported. Mass prisoner releases are common on holidays and other significant occasions in Myanmar.

Myanmar's military government plans to release 5,864 prisoners as part of an amnesty on its independence day. However, tensions remain high following the ousting of a civilian government in 2021. Critics,

Myanmar's military government announced the release of over 6,000 prisoners in a mass amnesty marking the country's 77th Independence Day. The amnesty includes 5,864 domestic prisoners and 180 foreigners.

Myanmar's military government has released more than 6,000 prisoners and has reduced other inmates' sentences as part of a mass amnesty marking the 77th anniversary of independence from Britain on Saturday.