Myanmar: Political prisoners among those released in amnesty

A 24-year-old political prisoner in Myanmar who expected to spend the next eight years in prison walked free today, as one of the first to be released in a mass amnesty announced this week by the government.

The activist, Noe Noe, expressed hope that the move signalled a change for her country. But she also was asking what others worldwide are wondering, too - who else will be included on the government's amnesty list.

"I'm just half happy," Noe Noe, who was sentenced in 2008 to serve 11 years for her involvement in the 2007 Saffron Revolution, told IRIN. "There are many more political prisoners, including my relatives, behind bars."

The military-backed Myanmar government on 11 October announced it would release 6,359 prisoners over three days, beginning on 12 October, without specifying how many would be political prisoners. The non-political prisoners include those who are elderly, disabled, and in poor health, according to the government.

Opposition groups and the international community have been calling for Myanmar to release about 2,000 political prisoners, restore national reconciliation, and end human rights violations. This is the second amnesty the new administration has announced since taking office at the end of March. In May, 65 political prisoners were included among 14,600 prisoners freed.

While questions about the most recent amnesty remain, politicians and activists have been expressing their support for the move, the latest of several under a new administration that may signal a move toward greater freedom in the country.

"I'm very, very happy. We've been calling for it for so long," said Thein Nyunt, an independent Member of Parliament who has consistently called for the release of political prisoners. "It's a sign the government shows of national reconciliation."

The families of prisoners and other supporters crowded together outside the notorious Insein prison on 12 October, with some arriving as early as 5am to watch who would exit the gates first. Under the hot sun, supporters wearing yellow shirts held signs that read "Free all political prisoners now," and "May the national reconciliation last long."

Step towards national unity?

The political prisoners freed included those sentenced to long term-imprisonment. Among them were Zarganar, a well-known comedian, who began serving a 35-year sentence in 2008, and 75-year old Maj-Gen Hso Ten, a Shan ethnic leader, who was sentenced in 2005 to serve 105 years.

Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein, general-secretary of the Democratic Party (Myanmar), said the release of political prisoners is an important step towards national unity and renewed talks between the government and opposition groups. She said such a move is desperately needed in Myanmar, Southeast Asia's poorest country and one that has been under military rule for decades.

"The president shows that he listens to the people's voice and that he looks forward to working together [with opposition groups]," said Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein, who added that her happiness exceeded words since she was once imprisoned, too, for her political activities.

Politicians, including Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein, said that the recent changes, including the suspension of a controversial dam project, show the Thein Sein government is heeding the concern of its people. However, some political activists and analysts said additional reforms are needed.
 
Nyi Nyi Aung, a naturalized US citizen who escaped Myanmar after the 1988 uprising, said amnesty should be granted to all political prisoners. Noe Noe, who also walked free today, is Nyi Nyi Aung's cousin.

"All political prisoners have to be released unconditionally, and wars in the ethnic areas have to be stopped," said Nyi Nyi Aung, himself a former political prisoner.