The Former Political Prisoners’ Society (FPPS) have said they plan to send a letter to President Thein Sein demanding the release of all political prisoners before the 2015 general election.
“There has been an increase in the number of political prisoners, therefore, the committee is calling for their release. All the political prisoners should be freed before the election. They should be given voting rights. The president should order it. We will send a letter to him soon,” Tin Maung Oo told Eleven Media.
It will be first time the FPPS has taken this approach.According to the organisation, approximately 163 political prisoners are currently incarcerated, and up to 500 are in custody facing charges relating to political activity.
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“The president has full authority to stop these imprisonments. The release of the political prisoners is of utmost importance. The increasing number of political prisoners should be pointed out. This year is vital for the country. The government said everyone should participate in the country’s affairs. Those political prisoners served the country through goodwill and they should take part in the election,” Tin Maung Oo said.
The FPPS said there were about 3,500 former political prisoners across the nation, and has called on the government to provide rehabilitation for them.