Myanmar: UN chief welcomes release of dozens of political prisoners

Chit Thura Ko Ko, a Myanmar political prisoner who was released from Insein Prison after receiving amnesty from Myanmar's President Thein Sein, talks to journalists outside the entrance of the prison Tuesday, July 23, 2013, in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar started releasing nearly 70 political prisoners Tuesday, just days after the president promised during a European tour to free all who remain behind bars by the end of the year. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

UN News Centre

July 23, 2013

23 July 2013 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the release of 73 political prisoners in Myanmar yesterday, as well as the announcement by the country’s leader that the rest will be freed by the end of the year.

Hundreds of political prisoners have been released, including some 650 in January 2012, since President Thein Sein initiated a series of reforms two years ago following the establishment of a new Government. He stated during a recent visit to Europe that all remaining prisoners of conscience would be freed by year’s end.

Mr. Ban welcomed yesterday’s release in a statement issued by his spokesperson. “He hopes that these and other measures undertaken recently in the country’s transition to democracy will further strengthen efforts toward a comprehensive nation-wide cease-fire and national reconciliation in Myanmar,” the statement noted.

During his visit to the South-east Asian nation in April of last year, Mr. Ban outlined a four-point agenda for action to advance national reconciliation and the democratic transition that includes implementing measures such as resettling displaced communities and releasing political prisoners.

The agenda also entails increasing investments in health and education so that the population can quickly see the benefits of the democratic transition in their daily lives; increasing international development assistance; and fostering an inclusive democratic culture which respects human rights and in particular freedom of speech.

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The Stateless Rohingya Blog

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