The regime in Naypyidaw announced today that it has pardoned and released 6,044 prisoners, including 180 foreigners, held at prisons nationwide in an amnesty to commemorate Myanmar’s 77th Independence Day on Jan. 4. The foreigners are to be deported immediately.

“Among those released today, there were over 1,000 [freed] from Insein Prison. I heard that people imprisoned for political reasons [were also included in the amnesty],” ‌a source close to the regime Prisons Department told DVB on the condition of anonymity.

Approximately, 5,864 prisoners and detainees were released on bail from numerous prisons across the country on Jan. 4. In addition, 144 on death row had their sentences commuted to 15 years in prison, the source added.

The regime also announced that those held for criminal offences, except for murder, rape, illegal associations, explosives, weapons, drugs, and corruption charges, will have one-sixth of their sentences reduced.

Among those released today was the Kachin State Chief Minister Khet Aung, who was ousted from his position and detained by the regime after the 2021 military coup.

Hundreds of family members of prisoners held at Insein Central Prison gathered outside of the front gate at 6 a.m. on Saturday. They were all hoping to be reunited with their loved ones jailed under the regime.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) states that 28,096 civilians have been arrested across the country, since the 2021 coup, and 21,499 political prisoners are still being held by the regime.