Monday, 19 November 2012 15:21 Mizzima News
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners- Burma (AAPP) has confirmed that 45 political dissidents were released from prisons across Burma on Monday as part of a presidential amnesty.
Eight members of the All Burma Students Democratic Front were pardoned, as well as three Kachin rebels and two members of the Karen National Union.
In addition, 10 other prisoners were released who were not on the AAPP list but who were considered by some to be prisoners of conscience, such as four naval officers who were jailed for leaking sensitive information.
The move comes the same day US President Barack Obama makes a landmark visit to the country.
On Sunday, the Burmese government announced that it will begin reviewing prisoner cases in line with international standards and open its jails to the Red Cross.
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners- Burma (AAPP) has confirmed that 45 political dissidents were released from prisons across Burma on Monday as part of a presidential amnesty.
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| Unidentified political prisoners pose after they reached the National League for Democracy headquarters in Rangoon following their release from detention in an amnesty on Tuesday, September 17, 2012. A number of prisoners including political detainees were released, the latest in a string of inmate releases in the former junta-ruled nation. Photo: AFP |
Eight members of the All Burma Students Democratic Front were pardoned, as well as three Kachin rebels and two members of the Karen National Union.
In addition, 10 other prisoners were released who were not on the AAPP list but who were considered by some to be prisoners of conscience, such as four naval officers who were jailed for leaking sensitive information.
The move comes the same day US President Barack Obama makes a landmark visit to the country.
On Sunday, the Burmese government announced that it will begin reviewing prisoner cases in line with international standards and open its jails to the Red Cross.
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