2,153 Political Prisoners Released after Chinese Foreign Minister Visit to Naypyitaw
Traditionally, political prisoners in Myanmar are granted freedom by the military junta within two years since the coup, often coinciding with auspicious national holidays such as Myanmar New Year, Union Day, National Day, and Independence Day. However, this year marks the first time that political prisoners were released on the religious full-moon day of Kason, which falls on the second month of the traditional Burmese calendar. The timing of this amnesty is notable, as it occurred just one day after Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Qin Gang's visit to Naypyitaw, where he met with Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC) leaders. This has led some to speculate that the amnesty was arranged to coincide with Mr. Qin's diplomatic trip.