Myanmar’s military government has granted amnesty to over 3,000 prisoners to mark the traditional lunar New Year holiday, including 98 foreigners who will be deported. However, it remains unclear if those released include the thousands of political detainees locked up for opposing military rule. While mass prisoner releases are common on major holidays, there are concerns that the move is intended to burnish the military government’s image and demonstrate legitimacy, rather than address the country’s political crisis.
Myanmar has been under military rule since February 2021, when the army ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government, leading to massive nonviolent resistance and a widespread armed struggle. At least 3,240 civilians have been killed by security forces since the military takeover, according to an independent organization that keeps detailed tallies of arrests and casualties linked to the nation’s political conflicts.
Human rights groups have criticised the amnesty, saying that the military junta is using it as a way to present a softer image to the international community without addressing the underlying political crisis. Although the releases have included some political prisoners, it remains unclear how many have been released and whether or not they are are included in the over 17,000 detained political opponents of the military government that remain in custody. Those who have been imprisoned for opposing the government include Aung San Suu Kyi, who is serving a prison term of 33 years on more than a dozen charges her supporters say were trumped up by the military.
The military government’s use of violence and repression to maintain control of the country has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. There have been calls by the UN and other organisations for the military to release all political prisoners and to engage in dialogue with opposition groups. Despite these calls, the military has continued to use brutal tactics to quash dissent and maintain control of the country.
The international community has also criticised the military government for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with reports emerging of shortages of medical supplies and a lack of access to healthcare in many parts of the country. The situation has been exacerbated by the military government’s decision to restrict internet access, making it difficult for medical professionals and aid groups to coordinate their efforts.
The human rights abuses carried out by Myanmar’s military government are a major concern for the international community, and there have been calls for action to be taken to hold those responsible for these abuses to account. However, with the military government still firmly in control of the country, it remains to be seen what can be done to bring about meaningful change and to ensure that the voices of those calling for democracy and human rights are heard.
