Myanmar’s junta releases 3,085 prisoners convicted under sedition laws, allowing them to vote in upcoming December general elections
ISTANBUL: Myanmar has released 3,085 prisoners ahead of its December general elections.
The individuals were convicted under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code for statements that could offend the military or incite mutiny.
Their release was granted on the condition they do not commit another offence.
Otherwise, they must serve any new sentence plus the remainder of their previous term.
The National Defence and Security Council granted the remission and pardon on Wednesday.
The council described the move as a key measure to advance toward a multi-party democracy.
The releases aim to ensure eligible voters do not lose their right to vote.
It also allows them to cast votes freely and fairly in the upcoming election.
Myanmar’s military junta will hold general elections on December 28.
The last elections in November 2020 were won by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy.
The elected government was overthrown in a military coup in February 2021.
The coup plunged the country into more than four years of emergency rule. – Bernama-Anadolu
