Former Mandalay Region Minister for Electricity, Energy and Construction U Zarni Aung, who was serving an eight-year prison sentence, was released on October 23, according to reports.

U Zarni Aung had been sentenced to two years in prison under Section 25 of the Natural Disaster Management Law and one year under Section 30(a) of the same law, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently, resulting in a two-year term. He was also sentenced to three years under Section 55 of the Anti-Corruption Law and a further three years under the same section, bringing his total sentence to eight years. He had been serving his sentence at Obo Prison.

“U Zarni Aung has been released after completing his sentence, with the benefit of reductions granted by the State. No additional cases have been filed against him. His being called to No. 9 Police Station was part of the necessary procedural formalities. He has now met with his family and will return home this evening,” an official from the Mahaaungmye Township Police Station confirmed.

U Zarni Aung was arrested and detained in 2021 along with other members of the Mandalay Region Government who served during the NLD administration.