Insein prison to release prisoners in the afternoon

by Mizzima News
Friday, 18 September 2009 12:38

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - Releasing of prisoners as part of the amnesty announced by the military junta on Thursday would only begin in the afternoon, Insein prison officials in Rangoon said.

Following the announcement of the amnesty by the state-run media for 7114 prisoners, the Burmese censorship board had invited local and foreign journalists to come to Insein prison at 9 a.m. (local time) on Friday.

However, prison officials said a press conference timed with the release of prisoners has been postponed to the afternoon. Officials have turned journalists out of the prison precincts. They are being made to wait outside the prison.

While authorities did not provide any reasons for postponing the press conference, prison officials said the release has not been finalized. Officials of the Directorate of Prisons have reportedly arrived in Insein prison since early morning.

Meanwhile, about 800 people, mostly relatives of prisoners, have gathered in anticipation of their release.

While prison officials at the notorious Insein prison have said hundreds would be released from the prison, so far there is no clue as to how many political prisoners would be part of the amnesty.

According to the Thailand-based Assistant Association for Political Prisoners – Burma’s (AAPP-B) August updates, there are 2211 prisoners of conscience languishing in prisons across Burma.