On April 17, marking the Myanmar New Year, authorities released 139 prisoners from prisons, detention centers, and labour camps across Mon State.

The releases included 14 male and four female inmates from Kyaikmaraw Central Prison in Kyaikmaraw Township, 32 male and 24 female inmates from Mawlamyine Prison, and 31 prisoners from Zay Ma Twe Prison in Thaton Township. Additional releases saw 13 male prisoners freed from Zin Kyaik labour camp in Paung Township, 12 from Yin Nyein labour camp, and nine from In Byaung labour camp—bringing the total to 139, comprising 111 men and 28 women.

A source close to the prison system said only two of those released were serving sentences related with Section 505 and other charges, while the majority had been convicted with other charges.

The President granted the amnesty as part of Myanmar New Year commemorations to promote public goodwill and social compassion. According to the April 17 pardon order, 4,335 prisoners nationwide were released under Section 410(1) of the Penal Code, on the condition that any reoffending would require them to serve the remainder of their original sentences in addition to any new penalties.

In addition, 179 foreign nationals were pardoned on humanitarian grounds and to strengthen international relations, with their remaining sentences commuted under Section 204(a) of the Penal Code.

The order also reduced sentences for other inmates: death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment; life and indefinite terms were reduced to 40 years (excluding those previously commuted); sentences exceeding 40 years were capped at 40 years; and those serving less than 40 years received a reduction of one-sixth of their remaining terms.