On the 77th Independence Day, Myanmar granted pardons to 5,864 prisoners, including former Kachin State Chief Minister U Khet Aung and about 600 individuals facing charges under Section 505.
This was announced by Major General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for the State Administration Council (SAC). He explained that the pardons were part of two separate clemency measures issued by the SAC to mark the anniversary.
The first clemency measure, granted on January 4, 2025, covered individuals, except for crimes such as murder, violence, possession of explosives, illegal association, weapons offenses, drug-related crimes, environmental law violations, and crimes related to terrorism and corruption, received a one sixth reduction in their sentences.
Additionally, 180 foreign nationals, mainly Thai citizens involved in gambling-related offenses in Tachileik, and Indonesian fishermen arrested for illegal fishing in Myanmar’s waters, were among those granted clemency. Former Kachin State Chief Minister U Khet Aung was also included in the release.
Major General Zaw Min Tun also mentioned that clemency was granted to reduce life sentences for 144 prisoners, reducing their sentences to 15 years under Myanmar’s criminal code.
