Amnesty urges Myanmar to free 100 ‘prisoners of conscience’
Amnesty International has urged Myanmar to release nearly 100 “prisoners of conscience” ahead of November polls in the country, accusing the country – formerly run by a junta – of relapsing into the “old ways” of repression.
Having received widespread international acclamation for ending decades of outright military rule in 2011 and launching reforms, President Thein Sein’s government has been criticized for backsliding on human rights.
According to an Amnesty International report released on Thursday, there are at least 91 prisoners of conscience behind bars in Myanmar.
Laura Haigh, Amnesty’s Myanmar researcher, said in a statement, “Authorities have intensified a chilling crackdown on freedom of expression over the past year.”
The rights organization urged the immediate release of the prisoners, including dozens of student protesters detained for trial while their applications for bail remain pending.
In March, students protests were held demanding changes to an education bill.
“The students are not in good health. They haven’t had proper treatment in the prison,” said Hla Myo Myint, a lawyer and human rights advocate for Amnesty.
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