(Myanmar, 19th) Myanmar’s new President Min Aung Hlaing has issued a general amnesty in conjunction with the Myanmar New Year, releasing former President Win Myint and reducing the sentence of former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. This move is seen as a rare concession by the military in recent years. Nevertheless, the public remains generally pessimistic about the prospects of Myanmar returning to a democratic path.
Speaking anonymously to AFP, a 50-year-old Yangon resident said she had no expectations for the amnesty. Regarding Win Myint’s release, she said: “There’s nothing to be grateful for; he was wrongfully imprisoned to begin with.”
To mark the Burmese New Year, Min Aung Hlaing issued several amnesty orders on Friday (April 17), granting clemency to over 4,500 prisoners nationwide. Win Myint was released that day, while Aung San Suu Kyi's sentence was reduced by one-sixth.
Win Myint is currently staying at his daughter’s house in Naypyidaw and is in good health, but has not made any public statements. After he regained his freedom, speculation arose as to whether Aung San Suu Kyi would also be released, or at least moved to house arrest.
Michael, a researcher at the UK think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies, said that while this is possible, people should not mistake this as Myanmar truly moving toward peace or reconciliation.
AFP reported on Saturday (18th) that, according to observations, there has been no increased security at Aung San Suu Kyi’s residence in Yangon, indicating that she remains held in the military-controlled capital, Naypyidaw.
Sources from the National League for Democracy (NLD), once led by Aung San Suu Kyi, also stated that there is currently no sign Aung San Suu Kyi will be returning home.
The release of Win Myint is Min Aung Hlaing’s first major action since taking office as president. On the surface, his stance appears to be softening, but analysts believe it actually reflects the fact that Min Aung Hlaing’s leadership position has been firmly established since the coup.
Matthewson, an independent analyst focusing on Myanmar affairs, said: “Min Aung Hlaing is using political prisoners as bargaining chips for political maneuvering. This should not be seen as reform or openness, but rather as a sign of confidence in the stability of the new regime.”
He further stated that Win Myint’s release is no more than “authoritarian theatrics,” calling it not a true general amnesty but Min Aung Hlaing’s attempt to ‘whitewash’ his own military coup.
Michael agrees with this view. He said the amnesty is merely a survival strategy aimed at escaping post-coup isolation. “The release of Win Myint is intended to ease domestic and international pressure; this is part of conflict management strategies.”
The 75-year-old Win Myint is an ally of Aung San Suu Kyi (aged 81). Both were arrested following the military coup on February 1, 2021, and subsequently charged with multiple offenses and sentenced to prison terms, with Aung San Suu Kyi receiving a total of 27 years in prison.
There have long been accusations from the outside world that the Myanmar military has fabricated charges against Aung San Suu Kyi and others. Regarding this amnesty, UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasized that Myanmar authorities must make genuine efforts to ensure the prompt release of all those arbitrarily detained, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and create conditions conducive to the political process.
In response to media inquiries, Guterres’ spokesperson said: “A viable political solution must be built upon an immediate cessation of violence and a genuine commitment to inclusive and comprehensive dialogue. This requires an environment in which the people of Myanmar can freely and peacefully exercise their political rights.”
The United States has also called on Myanmar authorities to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all those unjustly detained. The US State Department spokesperson said: “We urge the Myanmar military and other armed groups to immediately cease violence against civilians, ensure unhindered access for humanitarian aid throughout Myanmar, and engage in meaningful dialogue to end the crisis and achieve lasting peace.”
To mark the Burmese New Year, Min Aung Hlaing issued several amnesty orders on Friday (April 17), granting clemency to over 4,500 prisoners nationwide. Win Myint was released that day, while Aung San Suu Kyi's sentence was reduced by one-sixth.
Win Myint is currently staying at his daughter’s house in Naypyidaw and is in good health, but has not made any public statements. After he regained his freedom, speculation arose as to whether Aung San Suu Kyi would also be released, or at least moved to house arrest.
Michael, a researcher at the UK think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies, said that while this is possible, people should not mistake this as Myanmar truly moving toward peace or reconciliation.
AFP reported on Saturday (18th) that, according to observations, there has been no increased security at Aung San Suu Kyi’s residence in Yangon, indicating that she remains held in the military-controlled capital, Naypyidaw.
Sources from the National League for Democracy (NLD), once led by Aung San Suu Kyi, also stated that there is currently no sign Aung San Suu Kyi will be returning home.
The release of Win Myint is Min Aung Hlaing’s first major action since taking office as president. On the surface, his stance appears to be softening, but analysts believe it actually reflects the fact that Min Aung Hlaing’s leadership position has been firmly established since the coup.
Matthewson, an independent analyst focusing on Myanmar affairs, said: “Min Aung Hlaing is using political prisoners as bargaining chips for political maneuvering. This should not be seen as reform or openness, but rather as a sign of confidence in the stability of the new regime.”
He further stated that Win Myint’s release is no more than “authoritarian theatrics,” calling it not a true general amnesty but Min Aung Hlaing’s attempt to ‘whitewash’ his own military coup.
Michael agrees with this view. He said the amnesty is merely a survival strategy aimed at escaping post-coup isolation. “The release of Win Myint is intended to ease domestic and international pressure; this is part of conflict management strategies.”
The 75-year-old Win Myint is an ally of Aung San Suu Kyi (aged 81). Both were arrested following the military coup on February 1, 2021, and subsequently charged with multiple offenses and sentenced to prison terms, with Aung San Suu Kyi receiving a total of 27 years in prison.
There have long been accusations from the outside world that the Myanmar military has fabricated charges against Aung San Suu Kyi and others. Regarding this amnesty, UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasized that Myanmar authorities must make genuine efforts to ensure the prompt release of all those arbitrarily detained, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and create conditions conducive to the political process.
In response to media inquiries, Guterres’ spokesperson said: “A viable political solution must be built upon an immediate cessation of violence and a genuine commitment to inclusive and comprehensive dialogue. This requires an environment in which the people of Myanmar can freely and peacefully exercise their political rights.”
The United States has also called on Myanmar authorities to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all those unjustly detained. The US State Department spokesperson said: “We urge the Myanmar military and other armed groups to immediately cease violence against civilians, ensure unhindered access for humanitarian aid throughout Myanmar, and engage in meaningful dialogue to end the crisis and achieve lasting peace.”