Myanmar’s military administration has announced a sweeping amnesty covering thousands of detainees, many of them political prisoners, as well as activists facing prosecution or at present living in hiding. According to AP, the move was confirmed by state media on March 2 and comes shortly before the nation's parliament is due to reconvene for the first time in more than five years.

The pardon was authorised by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and coincides with Peasants’ Day, a public holiday in the country honouring farmers. According to official broadcaster MRTV, 10,162 prisoners have now been released, including more than 7,300 individuals convicted under the country’s counterterrorism legislation - individuals viewed as political prisoners. 

In addition, a further 12,487 people, mainly men, facing charges under the same law, or for evading arrest, will have their cases dropped. Ten foreign nationals were included in the amnesty.

There was no indication, however, that former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi would be freed. The 80-year-old Nobel laureate has been detained since the 2021 military takeover and is serving a 27-year sentence following a series of convictions widely criticised by supporters as politically motivated. It is believed her health is deteriorating.

Independent reports do suggest though that some former officials from Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy were among those released, including a former mayor of Naypyitaw. Journalists and student activists were also reportedly freed as part of the amnesty.

At Yangon’s Insein Prison, relatives gathered outside the gates as buses carrying former inmates departed. One released detainee expressed relief and hope that others remaining behind bars would soon regain their freedom.

The Political Prisoners Network, Myanmar, said it had initially confirmed the release of 324 political prisoners across 10 facilities, though a full list of names has yet to be published. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners estimates that more than 22,800 political detainees remained in custody as of late February.

Large-scale amnesties are periodically granted in Myanmar, in part to mark national holidays. The current release process began on March 2 and is expected to continue over several days.