Sep 23, 2008 (DVB), Veteran journalist and National League for Democracy member U Win Tin has reportedly been released from Insein prison after 19 years behind bars, as part of a government amnesty.

A witness told DVB he saw U Win Tin leaving Insein prison in the front seat of a white Toyota Hilux at 3.48pm.

The witness said he had recognised the high-profile political prisoner by his grey hair, height and fair skin.

Burmese state media reported today that 9002 prisoners had been granted amnesty for good behaviour.

The New Light of Myanmar reported that the prisoners were being released on 23 September "to enable them to serve the interests of the regions and their own and the fair election to be held in 2010".

Taungngu elected member of parliament U Aung Soe Myint was one of 40 detainees released from Thayet prison today as part of the amnesty.

Dr Than Nyein, elected representative for Kyauk Tan township, was also released from Pyay prison at around 4pm today, the only political prisoner to be released from that facility.

Another political prisoner, NLD member U Aye Thin, has been released from Kalay prison.

Reports so far indicate that 270 people held in Insein prison are to be released, but it is not yet clear how many of these are political prisoners.

In Meikhtila, 66 male and six female prisoners have been released, none of whom were being held for political reasons.

Six political prisoners are currently being held in Myitkyina, but none of them were among the 80 inmates released today.

Reporting by Aye Nai