Myanmar freed some political prisoners and 155 Chinese citizens jailed for illegal logging in an amnesty for nearly 7,000 people on Thursday, a move that could ease diplomatic tensions with China.
A total of 6,966 prisoners were pardoned including the Chinese citizens held in Kachin state, of which 153 were given life sentences last week that prompted a diplomatic protest by an “extremely concerned” China. Thirteen of those released were prisoners of conscience, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
Despite Myanmar’s flurry of engagement with the West since a quasi-civilian government replaced a junta in 2011, its ties with China — its economic lifeline during two decades of sanctions — remain crucial to trade, security and energy. The loggers were among 210 foreigners included in Thursday’s amnesty, according to prison, immigration and Home Ministry officials.
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Myanmar’s incarceration of more than 2,000 journalists, activists, politicians and even comedians during military rule was a key factor behind the West’s imposition of sanctions, many of which were eased after hundreds were freed by the new government.
Human rights groups, however, say many are still in jail and others continue to be arrested. As of last week, there were 136 political prisoners in Myanmar and another 448 facing trial, according to AAPP.