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Myanmar Grants Mass Amnesty for Political Prisoners Ahead of Dec. 28 Election

Myanmar's military announced amnesties for 3,085 people convicted under Section 505(A), granted conditional release to 724, and said it will close cases for 5,580 others ahead of the Dec. 28 election. It remains unclear whether Aung San Suu Kyi — among roughly 22,708 political detainees and serving a 27-year sentence — is included. Critics say the vote cannot be free or fair amid media restrictions and the arrest of most National League for Democracy leaders.

02:50 AM, 11/27/2025Politics

Myanmar's military rulers announced amnesties for more than 3,000 people jailed for opposing army rule and said charges will be dropped against another 5,580 ahead of the Dec. 28 election.

The State Security and Peace Commission said the amnesties cover 3,085 prisoners convicted under Section 505(A) of the penal code — the so-called incitement law that criminalizes statements deemed likely to cause public unrest or spread false information and carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.

State media said the measure was taken "to ensure that all eligible voters do not lose their right to vote and can cast their votes freely and fairly in the upcoming multi-party democratic general election" on Dec. 28.

The announcement did not specify when releases would begin; past amnesties have been carried out over several days. Of those listed, 724 were granted conditional release, meaning any future offence could require them to serve the remaining portion of their original sentence in addition to any new sentence.

A separate notice said 5,580 people — either currently facing prosecution under the same charge or believed to be in hiding after prosecution — will have their cases closed.

It was not immediately clear whether the list includes former state leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been held largely incommunicado since the military seized power in February 2021. Independent monitors report roughly 22,708 political detainees remain in custody; Suu Kyi is serving a 27-year sentence following convictions her supporters describe as politically motivated.

Critics argue the upcoming vote cannot be free or fair given tight media restrictions, the arrest and dissolution of most leaders from the National League for Democracy, and the broader crackdown on dissent. The 2021 military takeover was met initially with mass nonviolent protests that have since evolved into widespread armed resistance.

Sources: Official announcements and the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

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