Myanmar Announced an Amnesty for More than 6300 Prisoners

Myanmar on 11 October 2011 announced an amnesty for more than 6,300 prisoners.This follows an appeal by the government appointed Human Rights Commission in Myanmar to free prisoners. Earlier, Myanmar's National Human Rights Commission chairman Win Mra  had called for the release of prisoners. 

The decision by the Government of Myanmar is aimed at persuading the West to end sanctions that have hurt the regime. The elections in 2010 brought a civilian-led government in place of the military rule. Still, the military retains control of key positions and most of the candidates who won in the election were just-retired members of the armed forces. It was alleged that the election was rigged in the favour of the members of armed forces.

The government is intolerant to political dissidents in Myanmar and according to an estimate, there are 2000 political prisoners, which include pro-democracy activists, government critics and journalists.