Over 1,600 prisoners were released across the country Friday under an amnesty order of President U Thein Sein, local media reported.
The president granted the pardon to mark the country's Independence Day which falls Saturday, Xinhua reported.
The freed prisoners included over 40 foreigners.
Under the pardon order, the prisoners on death row are commuted to life imprisonment while those serving life imprisonment and those with more than 40 years to serve are to serve 40 years in prison.
Other inmates with jail terms of 40 years and below had their jail sentences cut one-fourth.
Myanmar claimed Dec 30 that all remaining political prisoners were set free across the nation.
According to the government, a total of 354 political prisoners were freed in 2013.
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