Myanmar's military government releases more than 6,000 prisoners for Independence Day...Including 180 foreigners

Myanmar's military, which seized power in a coup in 2021, has issued a massive pardon today for Independence Day, the Associated Press reported, citing local state broadcasters.

A total of 5,864 people have been pardoned, and 180 foreigners will be deported.

It has not yet been confirmed whether any of the pardons have been jailed for opposing the military government.

Among the foreigners set to be released were four Thai fishermen captured by Myanmar's navy while operating near the maritime border in late November last year.

Announcing the amnesty, the military authorities warned that those released should serve the remainder of the existing punishment they were pardoned for if they committed illegal acts again.

Separately, the military government said it would reduce the sentences of 144 inmates on death row to 15 years in prison, but did not disclose details.

The Associated Press said relatives of inmates gathered in front of Yangon's Insein Prison, known for hosting political prisoners, from early morning.

According to Myanmar's Political Prisoners Support Association, 28,096 political prisoners have been arrested since the military coup, 21,499 of whom are still in prison.

At least 6,106 civilians were killed by military violence during the same period, the association said. This figure does not include casualties from the civil war.