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Myanmar Frees Ousted President Win Myint in Thingyan Amnesty

Analysts say the move aims to polish Min Aung Hlaing’s self-declared presidency with support from Beijing.

Overview

  • The Office of the President created by Min Aung Hlaing announced a New Year Thingyan amnesty that released Win Myint and more than 4,000 others.
  • Aung San Suu Kyi remains detained, with a senior military officer reported to have said her 27-year sentence was cut by one-sixth and that she was moved to house arrest.
  • The United Nations noted the releases but called for the immediate and unconditional freeing of all people arbitrarily detained, including Suu Kyi.
  • Win Myint’s release came under Section 401(1), a conditional pardon that allows authorities to return him to prison if they say he re-offends.
  • China has formally engaged with Min Aung Hlaing’s presidency, while the International Criminal Court said a requested arrest warrant still applies regardless of his new title.