Yangon, Myanmar: Myanmar President Htin Kyaw pardoned at least 63 political prisoners on the country's traditional New Year today, according to a watchdog group, in his first major political act since he was sworn in last month.
His fledgling administration, which is steered by veteran democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi, has vowed to prioritise freeing the scores of political prisoners jailed by the country's former military rulers.
"According to our documents, 63 political prisoners are released from various prisons by the amnesty of the president," said the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
The president's statement, which was posted on Facebook, said the amnesty was intended to "make people feel happy and peaceful, and (promote) national reconciliation during the New Year".
Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), which swept historic November polls, includes many ex-political prisoners jailed for their democracy activism under the former military regime.
Earlier this month, authorities dropped charges against nearly 200 political activists after Suu Kyi pledged to see their release in a statement ahead of the New Year holiday.
In a New Year day speech broadcast on television Sunday, Htin Kyaw -- who is Suu Kyi's close friend and ally -- stressed his administration's determination to free all political activists facing prosecution.
His fledgling administration, which is steered by veteran democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi, has vowed to prioritise freeing the scores of political prisoners jailed by the country's former military rulers.
"According to our documents, 63 political prisoners are released from various prisons by the amnesty of the president," said the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
The president's statement, which was posted on Facebook, said the amnesty was intended to "make people feel happy and peaceful, and (promote) national reconciliation during the New Year".
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Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), which swept historic November polls, includes many ex-political prisoners jailed for their democracy activism under the former military regime.
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Earlier this month, authorities dropped charges against nearly 200 political activists after Suu Kyi pledged to see their release in a statement ahead of the New Year holiday.
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In a New Year day speech broadcast on television Sunday, Htin Kyaw -- who is Suu Kyi's close friend and ally -- stressed his administration's determination to free all political activists facing prosecution.
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