Myanmar’s president is commuting the death sentences of some convicts and slashing the jail terms of others, but it is unclear whether any political prisoners will be freed through his order.
State television and radio said the order signed on Thursday by President Thein Sein commutes death sentences to life imprisonment, reduces sentences of more than 40 years to 40 years.
It also cuts sentences of 40 years or less by one-fourth on humanitarian grounds and to mark the 66th anniversary of the country’s independence on Saturday. It was not immediately clear how many prisoners will benefit.
“Many prisoners from various prisons, including criminals, will be freed under this order,” said Bo Kyi of Myanmar’s Assistance Association for Political Prisoners and a member of the Political Prisoner Scrutinizing Body formed by the government.
