Myanmar Marks 77th Independence Day with Mass Release of Prisoners by Military Junta
On Independence Day, Myanmar’s military junta announced the release of over 6,000 prisoners, including 180 foreigners. This annual tradition coincides with the commemoration of Myanmar’s independence from Britain 77 years ago. The junta has also reduced the sentences of 144 prisoners from life imprisonment to 15 years. However, many detainees remain imprisoned after the military coup in February 2021, during which Aung San Suu Kyi was ousted, leading to widespread protests and ongoing civil conflict.