On January 4, 2025, Myanmar's military government declared an amnesty for 5,864 prisoners, including 180 foreign nationals, in celebration of the country's 77th Independence Day. The release was reported by state media, which indicated that the military acted on 'humanitarian and compassionate grounds'.
The specifics of the prisoners' convictions remain undisclosed, as does the nationalities of the foreigners to be released. Reports suggest that among the foreigners are four Thai fishermen arrested in late November following a confrontation involving Myanmar's navy.
This year's Independence Day event took place in the capital, Naypyidaw, with 500 attendees from the government and military. A speech from military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Soe Win, urged ethnic armed groups to cease hostilities and seek resolution through peaceful dialogue.
Myanmar has faced significant unrest since a military coup in early 2021, which ousted an elected government and sparked widespread protests and armed resistance. The situation escalated recently with the Arakan Army capturing a regional military command and a stretch of border territory with Bangladesh.
Notably, among those still incarcerated is former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, currently serving a 27-year sentence on multiple charges, all of which she denies. The military government has a history of granting amnesty during national holidays, with over 9,000 prisoners released last year for similar reasons.