Orders of Pardon: Amnesty and reduction of service terms granted

In honor of the 77th Independence Day, the State Administration Council granted amnesty and reduced sentences for prisoners through Order Nos. 1/2025, 2/2025, 3/2025, and 4/2025.

For the sake of public peace and humanitarian reasons, the prison sentences of those serving terms as of January 4, 2025, were reduced to one-sixth of their remaining duration.

However, this grant excluded individuals who had committed crimes in certain specified cases. Additionally, 5,864 prisoners from various prisons were granted amnesty after they pledged that if they were convicted again, they would accept punishment for the remainder of their original sentence in addition to the new penalty.

Furthermore, 144 prisoners serving life sentences had their sentences reduced to 15 years. Similarly, as part of efforts to maintain friendly and good relations with other nations, 180 foreign nationals serving sentences in various prisons were granted amnesty. They were extradited on the condition that, if convicted again, they would serve the remainder of their original sentence in addition to any new penalty. These orders were issued in accordance with Section 401(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 

The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission issued a statement on Saturday, welcoming the acts of clemency as a positive step for human rights. The commission expressed that the released prisoners will be able to contribute to the establishment of a state based on democracy and a federal system.

The granting of remission and the deportation of foreign prisoners are also seen as steps toward promoting friendly relations between nations. The commission further expressed its delight in sharing the joy with the families of those who have been released and hopes that similar positive actions in the areas of human rights and humanitarian efforts will continue.