61 political prisoners released in Myanmar

y Pyi Taw, April 10: Sixty-one more political prisoners including activists and students facing trials were released after their cases were withdrawn, official sources said on Sunday.

The latest release brought the total of political prisoners freed to 199 including 36 women, Xinhua news agency reported.

They were released from prisons in Bago, Magway, Yangon, Mandalay regions on Saturday night.

The authorities’ move was made in response to State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi’ efforts to free political prisoners on the occasion of the upcoming Myanmar new year falling on next week. The release is the first after the new government took office on March 30.

More releases are expected in the following days despite holidays ahead of Myanmar water festival which is to start on Tuesday. (IANS)