Sixty-one more political prisoners including activists and students facing trials were released after their cases were withdrawn, official sources said on Sunday.
The latest release brought the total of political prisoners freed to 199 including 36 women, Xinhua news agency reported.
They were released from prisons in Bago, Magway, Yangon, Mandalay regions on Saturday night.
The authorities' move was made in response to State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi' efforts to free political prisoners on the occasion of the upcoming Myanmar new year falling on next week.
The release is the first after the new government took office on March 30.
More releases are expected in the following days despite holidays ahead of Myanmar water festival which is to start on Tuesday.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
