A total of 254 prisoners have been granted amnesty by the military junta from various prisons and labor camps in Mon State. Among them, only six political prisoners were released—five from Kyaikmaraw Prison and one from Thaton Prison.
As part of the 77th Independence Day amnesty which falls on January 4rth, 2025, the military junta announced the release of 5,864 prisoners nationwide, including 254 from Mon State.
While the military claimed over 600 political prisoners detained under Section 505 of the Penal Code were among those freed, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) stated that the actual number of political prisoners released was about half of the figure claimed by the authorities.
“Our records show a significant discrepancy between the announced figures and the actual releases. This is merely propaganda. We will release our detailed report soon. For instance, only one political prisoner was released from Thaton Prison and five from Kyaikmaraw Prison,” said U Thet Tun Oo, a spokesperson for AAPP.
Among those released from Kyaikmaraw Prison, only five were detained under Section 505 for political offenses—three male and two female prisoners. In total, the prison released 14 inmates, including the political prisoners. Thaton Prison released 36 inmates, with only one being a political prisoner. Other releases included 26 from Yin Nyein labor camps, 18 from Zin-kyaik prison labor camp, and eight from Inn Byaung Labour Camp.
Additionally, 37 inmates were released from Mote Pa Lin male labor camp, 43 female inmates from Mote Pa Lin (male) labor camp, and eight inmates from Ingabo labor camp.
The military junta continues to hold tens of thousands of political prisoners, demonstrating its precarious position, said U Thet Tun Oo.
“The low number of political prisoners released indicates the regime’s vulnerability. They fear that freeing a significant number of political detainees would strengthen revolutionary forces. This fear drives them to release only a few while tens of thousands remain in detention,” he added.
Prisoners released under Section 401 of the Criminal Procedure Code are subject to stringent conditions. Any reoffense will lead to reinstatement of their previous sentences in addition to penalties for any new offense.
According to the AAPP, since the military coup, 28,096 individuals have been arrested, and 21,499 remain detained. Among those, 9,958 have been sentenced to prison terms.
