Myanmar releases 44 prisoners of conscience

GENEVA, Switzerland, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- U.N. special envoy for human rights in Myanmar Tomas Ojea Quintana praised a decision Wednesday from its government to release 44 prisoners of conscience.

Quintana said the decision put Myanmar one step closer to meeting its commitment to release all political prisoners by year's end. When his tenure began in 2008, he said there were more than 1,900 people in custody in Myanmar for political offenses.

"It is important to acknowledge the significance of the progress that has been made," he said in a statement Wednesday from Geneva, Switzerland. "Today we are referring to figures of less than 50."

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, earned international praise when general elections in 2010 ended a long period of formal military rule. He said it will take time for Myanmar to establish a democratic legacy but it was taking steps in the right direction.

Myanmar law calls for imprisonment of up to one year for anyone protesting without a permit, something Quintana said should be reconsidered.

"Moving to a culture of democracy, where people are free to express their views, will take time," he said. "The releases today are a step towards this, but need to be accompanied by legislative reforms."

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/myanmar-releases-44-prisoners-of-conscience-2/