Over the past four years since the current government came to power, 17 pardons have been granted releasing more than 56,000 prisoners, according to the Prison Department.

Sixteen pardons were granted till 2019 in which 29,524 male prisoners, 2,306 female prisoners and 162 foreign prisoners were released, said Ye Yint Naing, deputy director of the department.

The 17th pardon was granted on April 17 this year, releasing 24,896 local prisoners and 87 foreign prisoners. So, the number of those released reached 56,979.

“Not only under the present government but also under the previous ones, parsons and amnesties are granted at the start of Myanmar New Year. For example, it is on the first day of New Year” said Ye Yint Naing.

The President has power to grant amnesties under Section 204 (a) of the constitution and do so with an endorsement from the National Defence and Security Council under Section 204 (b) as well.

The Prison Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs has over 40 prisons.