April 17 marks the first day of the Myanmar calendar New Year. On this day, the Office of the President of Myanmar issued multiple amnesty orders, announcing the pardon of more than 4,500 prisoners, including former president Win Myint, who has been pardoned and will be released home.
Former president Win Myint had previously been sentenced to nine years and six months in prison on multiple charges including 'corruption.' He is a staunch ally of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Aung San Suu Kyi’s Sentence Reduced
Meanwhile, a lawyer for Aung San Suu Kyi, former leader of the National League for Democracy, said that her sentence has been reduced.
The lawyer disclosed to the media that Aung San Suu Kyi’s sentence has been shortened by one-sixth.
Aung San Suu Kyi, who will turn 81 this June, was sentenced by the Myanmar military government to 27 years in prison on a series of charges including 'inciting rebellion, corruption, electoral fraud, and violating the Official Secrets Act.'
According to the amnesty order, the president announced the reduction of sentences for prisoners serving time in prisons across Myanmar, with 4,335 Myanmar nationals being released through sentence reduction, and 179 foreign detainees pardoned and deported.
The amnesty order stated that this amnesty is intended to celebrate the Myanmar New Year, stabilize public sentiment, and for humanitarian considerations.