Myanmar's Military Government Grants Mass Amnesty Ahead of Parliamentary Session

Myanmar's military government, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has granted amnesty to over 10,000 prisoners, primarily targeting political detainees, to coincide with Peasants' Day, a national holiday. The announcement comes just two weeks before the parliament is set to convene for its first session in more than five years following a controversial election. The amnesty includes 10,162 prisoners, with 7,337 convicted under a counterterrorism law that has been widely criticized for its use against political opponents and dissenters since the military coup in 2021.

Myanmar's military government pardons 10,000 prisoners before parliament opensAssociated PressThe IndependentThe Straits TimesSouth China Morning Post

The counterterrorism law has been instrumental in the military's crackdown on pro-democracy activists and armed groups opposing its rule, labeling them as "terrorist" organizations. The law carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment and the death penalty. As of late February, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reported that over 22,800 political detainees remained incarcerated, including Aung San Suu Kyi, the ousted civilian leader, who is serving a 27-year sentence under what supporters describe as politically motivated charges.

South China Morning PostThe Straits TimesMyanmar's military government pardons 10,000 prisoners before parliament opensAssociated PressThe Independent

The amnesty not only affects those already imprisoned but also includes approximately 12,487 individuals facing prosecution under the same counterterrorism law, whose cases will be dropped. Additionally, ten foreign nationals are set to be released and deported from Myanmar. The releases began on March 2, 2026, and are expected to continue over several days, with emotional reunions reported outside Insein Prison in Yangon, where many families awaited the return of their loved ones.

The Independent

Despite the mass release, critics argue that the amnesty is a superficial attempt by the military junta to project an image of normalcy and authority amid ongoing political turmoil. The recent elections, which saw the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party secure a dominant position, have been condemned by opposition groups and international observers as a sham designed to entrench military rule. Aung San Suu Kyi's continued imprisonment and the dissolution of her National League for Democracy party further underscore the junta's grip on power.

South China Morning Post

The military government stated that the amnesty was granted "in consideration of the peace of mind of the general public as well as on humanitarian grounds." However, the absence of any indication that Aung San Suu Kyi would be released has raised concerns about the sincerity of the junta's intentions. Observers note that while mass pardons are common during significant national occasions in Myanmar, political prisoners are often excluded from such amnesties.

Myanmar's military government pardons 10,000 prisoners before parliament opens

As the new parliament prepares to convene, with a presidential election expected in early April, the military junta has indicated that it aims to transition to a nominally civilian government. However, the legitimacy of this transition remains in question, given the ongoing civil conflict and the exclusion of large areas from the electoral process.

South China Morning Post

• “I am very happy. I pray that all those who are still in prison will be released.” — Tinzar Aung, released prisoner.

Associated Press

• “The military claims she’s in good health, yet they refuse to provide any independent proof, no recent photograph, no medical verification, no access by ­family, doctors, or international observers.” — Kim Aris, son of Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Independent