Myanmar frees more political prisoners

With garlands and
flowers, hundreds of friends and relatives gathered outside a prison in
Myanmar's capital to welcome the return of two political prisoners.

Yan
Naing Tun and Aung Min Naing were released as part of a year end amnesty, with
more prisoners expected to be freed later in the day.

(SOUNDBITE)
(Burmese) RELEASED POLITICAL PRISONER, YAN NAING TUN SAYING:

"Even though
they (the government) said this is amnesty, this is not amnesty for us. They are
trying to hide the weakness of the legislature by doing this. But I respect Mr
President since he kept his promise because he had not ever kept his promise
before."

It is not clear how many prisoners will be released or how many
political prisoners are in the country.

During the military's final years
in power, as many as 2,500 people, including activists, journalists, and even
comedians were under detention.

Many of these prisoners were subjected to
torture and other inhumane treatment.

Myanmar, has freed hundreds of
political detainees, like these, since steps towards democracy began in
2010.

The government has pledged to release all prisoners of conscience by
the end of the year.

In response, the EU, United States and other Western
countries have increased aid and investment and suspended most
sanctions.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/myanmar-frees-more-political-prisoners-2/