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Burma Urged to Release Unknown Number of Political Prisoners

Burma Urged to Release Unknown Number of Political Prisoners

As international leaders push for the identities of political prisoners in Burma, Burmese officials remain vague on the number of prisoners as well as the specifics of their crimes. Reports reveal some detainees have been indicted for their political or social activism, others for owning a computer in their home. Since the inauguration of Burma’s new president last spring, nearly 650 prisoners have been freed—but it remains unknown how many others are awaiting their sentence.

From the article:

Since President Thein Sein took office in March last year, more than 650 political detainees have been freed, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), a group that collects information on prisoners. The releases were a key factor in the U.S. decision last month to lift someinvestment and financial sanctions as Burma’s leaders begin to implement reforms after decades of often-brutal military rule.

But the United States, other Western governments, human rights groups and the opposition continue to demand an amnesty for all political detainees remaining in the country. The question is: How many, exactly, are there?

 

 

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