Ethnic prisoners released in President’s amnesty

In the recent President’s amnesty, 65 prisoners were granted their freedom, including a Karen lawyer who had been charged for being disrespectful to the court.

U Aung Thu Yein Tun, friend of the Karen lawyer, Saw Kyaw Kyaw Min, confirmed his release to Karen News.

“He gave me a ring this morning and told me of his release. I am going to visit him soon.”

The lawyer, Saw Kyaw Kyaw Min, was working for a political activist who had been charged, under Article 228, of being disrespectful to the Court, was sentenced to six months jail and was appealing his sentence when he was granted amnesty.

Saw Kyaw Kyaw Min’s, lawyer, U Than Tun Aung (Myoma), spoke to Karen News about his case

“We send our appeal to Yangon regional court on November 6, but the court had not made its decision. We are happy for his release under the President’s amnesty.”

U Tate Naing, the secretary of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) spoke to Karen News and said that other people released under the President’s amnesty included – U Aye Myint, a human rights activist, Saw Poe Cho,

Saw Tin Oo(1), Saw Tin Oo(2), Saw Phar Khu, Saw Kyi Aye, all who were charged under the unlawful association laws with the Karen National Union, an illegal organization. Also released were a number of members of armed oppostion groups – a Democratic Karen Buddhist Army member, 10 members of the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front, and 10 members of the Shan State Army.

AAPP’s U Tate Naing said.

“Officially it was announced that 66 prisoners are released, but only 65 prisoners were released because of one of the prisoner is still involved in another case”.

The President’s amnesty was issued on November 19, the same day as US President Barack Obama’s historic visit to Burma.