Burma Campaign UK says mass release of political prisoners does not indicate real change in Myanmar

Mizzima

The Burma Campaign UK released a statement on 2 March critical of the Myanmar junta’s mass release of political prisoners to mark the Full Moon Day of Tabaung and Peasant’s Day in Myanmar. Labelling is a propaganda exercise, the advocacy group says it does not indicate significant change or reform.

The text of the statement is as follows.

The Burmese military have today announced an ‘amnesty’ for more than 7,000 people convicted under terrorism laws. The mass release of political prisoners was expected as part of propaganda efforts by the Burmese military as they rebrand themselves following sham elections at the end of 2025 and early 2026. The releases are not a sign of change or reform.

The Burmese military definition of terrorism includes legitimate armed resistance to Burmese military dictatorship, criticism of the Burmese military, speaking to a member of a resistance group, or being a family member of someone accused of terrorism.

“The Burmese military, fighting for their survival, are cynically using political prisoners as a propaganda tool, this is not a sign of reform,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK. “The Burmese military should not be praised for releasing people who should never have been detained in the first place.”

The amnesty does not mean all these political prisoners will actually be released. Many activists have been convicted under multiple repressive laws, so could still be kept in prison relating to these other so-called offences.

In acts of particular cruelty, in the past some political prisoners have also faced immediate re-arrest on new charges after being released.

Since latest military coup in 2021 the Burmese military has detained record numbers of political prisoners, with more than 22,000 detained before the amnesty was announced. This represents almost a 1,000 percent increase compared to the pre 2010 military dictatorship average number of political prisoners. More than 30,000 people have been arrested since the 2021 coup.

Political prisoners face horrific conditions in jail, often facing beating and torture after arrest, and then being denied access to medical care, essential medicines, and nutritional food. Many face lifelong health problems after release, with no support or compensation.

The Burmese military, fighting for their survival in the face of mass resistance, were expected to start the mass release of political prisoners following the sham elections, as they rebrand yet again. They may be hoping to repeat the success of the sham reform process after the 2010 election, but making fewer concessions this time.