Myanmar frees former President Win Myint in broad prisoner amnesty

FE Team | Published: April 17, 2026 23:45:49

BANGKOK, Apr 17 (AP): Myanmar's former President Win Myint has been released as part of a sweeping prisoner amnesty announced by newly inaugurated President Min Aung Hlaing, state media reported Friday.
The pardon, issued to mark the country's traditional New Year, covers more than 4,500 prisoners, though it remains unclear how many political detainees are included. There was no immediate indication that detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been freed.
Win Myint, a close ally of Suu Kyi and elected president in 2018, was arrested during the military takeover on February 1, 2021, and later sentenced to multiple prison terms that were reduced in 2023.
State broadcaster MRTV confirmed that he was released from a prison in Bago region under the amnesty order.
The announcement came as buses carrying freed prisoners arrived outside Yangon's Insein Prison, where families gathered to welcome detainees. Among those released was filmmaker Shin Daewe, previously sentenced to life imprisonment under a counterterrorism law.
Officials said the amnesty includes more than 4,300 domestic prisoners and nearly 180 foreigners who will be deported.
Under the terms of the pardon, reduced sentences apply broadly, with provisions that freed inmates could be required to serve remaining terms if they reoffend.
A senior military official also indicated that Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to be transferred to house arrest, although she remains under multiple convictions linked to the 2021 coup.