Myanmar’s military authorities have released the country’s deposed president, Win Myint, as part of a mass amnesty to mark the traditional Buddhist New Year.
Mr Win Myint, who was detained alongside civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during the February 2021 coup, was reportedly reunited with his family on Friday. He had been serving a sentence of nine years and six months on charges ranging from corruption to election-related offences—charges widely condemned by international observers as politically motivated.
Speaking to the Myanmar Pressphoto Agency (MPA), a former MP from the National League for Democracy (NLD) confirmed the release. “The President has been freed. While there are rumours that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved to house arrest, the President’s release is confirmed,” the source said.
The move comes at a time when the military regime is facing unprecedented pressure from armed resistance groups across the country. While thousands of prisoners are often released during the Thingyan New Year holiday, the inclusion of a high-profile political figure like Mr Win Myint is seen as a significant development.
However, the fate of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi remains unclear. Although reports suggest she may have been moved from prison to house arrest due to health concerns and extreme weather conditions, the military has yet to provide official confirmation.
Both leaders were seized in early morning raids on 1 February 2021, when Senior General Min Aung Hlaing toppled the democratically elected government, plunging Myanmar into a protracted and bloody civil war.
Human rights groups remain cautious, noting that such releases are often used by the junta as a diplomatic lever to ease international sanctions and gain legitimacy.
