Myanmar military junta pardons over 4,000 prisoners for Burmese new year as death sentences commuted

Mizzima

To mark Myanmar New Year’s Day on 17 April 2026, the military-led administration has granted amnesty to 4,353 prisoners from facilities across the country.

The pardons were issued under the condition that any released individual who commits a subsequent crime must serve the remainder of their original sentence in addition to any new penalties. Among those freed are 179 foreign prisoners, who have been ordered for immediate deportation by the 2026 president.

A former political prisoner welcomed the move but expressed mixed feelings, saying he was happy for those released but believed there was no need for gratitude. He also voiced hope that more political prisoners would be freed in the future.

He noted that many of the political prisoners included in the amnesty were already nearing the end of their sentences.

In addition to the pardons, authorities also reduced sentences for those not released.

Death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. Life sentences and indefinite terms were reduced to 40 years, while sentences longer than 40 years were also capped at 40 years. Prisoners serving less than 40 years had their remaining terms reduced by one quarter.