Myanmar frees five political prisoners under Thein Sein pardon

Myanmar freed five prisoners yesterday and more are expected to be released next week as part of a pledge by the country's president to release all political prisoners by the end of last year.

The move came after President Thein Sein granted a pardon on Monday to those convicted of, or charged with, a variety of political offences such as unlawful association, high treason, contempt of government and violations of the peaceful assembly law.

The decree also halted all ongoing trials and investigations connected with the charges.

The amnesty follows a promise made by Thein Sein in July last year that all political prisoners would be freed by the end of 2013.

Those who were freed had their names on a list held by the Political Prisoners Scrutinising Committee, said Bo Kyi, a committee member. He added that more people were expected to be freed next week.

"We welcome the presidential pardon order. However, several steps need to be taken to maintain a level of zero political prisoners. There must be rule of law and more political freedom to maintain that level," Bo Kyi said.