Myanmar Junta Frees Thousands but Not Suu Kyi

The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime has released thousands of prisoners in a sweeping amnesty, but kept democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior National League for Democracy (NLD) leaders behind bars as it prepares to rebrand its rule under a new parliament.

On Monday, the junta announced the release of more than 9,000 detainees, including 7,337 jailed under the Counter-Terrorism Law. Yet by Wednesday evening, only around 4,000 had actually walked free, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). The regime also dropped charges against over 12,000 others.

Among those freed were prominent NLD figures such as U Min Thu, a former Union Minister, and Dr. Myo Aung, the former mayor of Naypyitaw. Both had been serving lengthy sentences on corruption and incitement charges. Two former Yangon Region ministers, Daw Moe Moe Su Kyi and U Han Tun, were also released, alongside former Magwe parliament speaker U Tar.

Student activists and journalists were included in the amnesty. Ma Su Yee Lin, once president of the East Yangon University Students’ Union, was freed after serving part of a 15-year sentence. Videographer Ma Hmu Yadanar Khet Moh Moh Tun, injured and arrested while covering an anti-coup protest in 2021, also regained her liberty.

But Suu Kyi, now 80, remains imprisoned on a 27-year sentence, along with former president U Win Myint and other NLD leaders. Rights groups say their continued detention underscores the junta’s determination to sideline the country’s most popular political figures.

Critics argue the mass release is less about reconciliation than optics. “It’s a move by the regime to win acceptance from ASEAN and the wider international community,” said Ko Thaik Tun Oo of the Political Prisoners Network Myanmar, warning that the junta is seeking legitimacy ahead of the March 16 opening of its military-dominated parliament.

The amnesty comes with strings attached. Those freed face parole conditions, with the threat of reinstated sentences if they reoffend. The junta also deported 10 foreign nationals.

According to the AAPP, more than 22,000 people remain in jail, out of over 30,000 arrested since the 2021 coup. For many in Myanmar, the release of some prisoners offers little comfort while the country’s most prominent voices for democracy remain silenced.

-2026-03-04